Amritsar’s Baljit Singh: One of Only Two Master Craftsmen Trusted to Carve Knights for World Chess Championships!
Amritsar (The Uttam Hindu): Baljit Singh, a master carver from Amritsar, India, is one of just two craftsmen globally entrusted with the delicate task of carving knight pieces for world championship chess sets. His workshop, located in the bustling heart of Amritsar, is where chess pieces for prestigious matches, including the recent World Chess Championship between Indian grandmaster D. Gukesh and Ding Liren, are meticulously created. With over 34 years in the wood-carving trade, Baljit produces around 40 knight pieces weekly for various chess sets.
The knight is widely regarded as one of the most challenging pieces to carve due to its intricate design and unique form. Despite the importance of his work, Baljit remains humble, stating that he does not track the journey of each piece. He only became aware of the media attention surrounding his craft due to its visibility during major chess events. Aditya Chopra, owner of Chopra Chess, where Baljit is employed, expresses enthusiasm for the future of chess in India, especially after Gukesh’s victory. Chopra’s company has been creating chess sets for world championships since 2012, exporting them globally. He recalls how his father started the business after noticing the demand for wooden chess sets during international travels. This led to the founding of a small factory that streamlined production processes and specialized in crafting specific chess pieces.
Creating these chess sets is an intricate, time-consuming process that requires precision. The process begins with selecting premium woods like boxwood, red padauk, acacia, and ebony, which are dried for several months before carving can start. The wood is then cleaned, cut, shaped, polished, and hand-carved. Artisans undergo extensive training, and craftsmen like Baljit continuously adapt to new design trends and innovations. Baljit Singh’s work not only elevates the prestige of championship chess but also underscores India’s rich heritage of woodworking craftsmanship. His contributions demonstrate how local artisans can play a pivotal role in global events, preserving traditional skills while making a mark on the international stage. With the increasing interest in chess in India, especially among younger players inspired by champions like Gukesh, the demand for handcrafted chess sets is expected to rise across various levels.
