The ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as tensions in Israel and Palestine, have severely impacted the chess manufacturing industry in Amritsar. Reports indicate that orders for chess pieces produced by small and medium enterprises in the region have plummeted by 80% this year. This decline has led to significant job losses, with approximately half of the 500 highly skilled artisans and an additional 1,000 semi-skilled workers in the trade losing their jobs. Daily working hours have also been reduced from 12 to 8 hours.
The chess industry, valued at around Rs 20 crore annually, has faced challenges for several months. Rishi Sharma, a third-generation chess manufacturer, noted a sharp decrease in export orders from key markets such as the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Traditionally, winter is the peak season for these manufacturers, but many are struggling to secure enough work.
Amritsar is renowned for its exquisite wooden chess pieces, which are highly sought after internationally. However, the cottage industry—comprising only 35 units—has received little support from successive governments. Artisans use simple tools to craft these pieces, which range in price from Rs 500 to Rs 20,000, depending on quality. Despite the craftsmanship, government efforts to promote this industry have been lacking.
Surjit Singh Ahuja, an exporter from Amritsar, highlighted additional hurdles due to regulations imposed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Since 2018, stringent rules on “sheesham” wood have complicated the export process. Exporters now face high costs for licenses and audits, making it difficult to remain competitive.
Historically, chess pieces were made from ivory before being replaced by red sandalwood and then “sheesham.” Now, with restrictions on “sheesham,” manufacturers have turned to other woods like ebony and boxwood. Chess pieces made from ebony are particularly prized for their quality.
The industry saw a brief resurgence following the success of Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit,” which sparked a surge in demand. However, as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate and economic conditions worsen globally, artisans in Amritsar find themselves at a crossroads. They must navigate these challenges carefully to determine whether they will be mere pawns in a game beyond their control or find ways to adapt and survive another year.
