# Shatranj - Ancient Chess

> Historical chess game with ancient rules and piece designs. (iPhone/iPad app by Nora Ky.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shatranj-ancient-chess/id1397288919 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Nora Ky](https://appshunter.io/developer/928419018)
- Category: Games, Board
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 26 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-07-23
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: ad-supported
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shatranj-ancient-chess/id1397288919/reviews.md

## What is Shatranj?

The form of chess we play today is just over 500 years old. And our conventional design of chess pieces, the Staunton style, has only been around for about a century and a half.

But before our modern chess spread across Europe, there was an older form of chess, lasting for almost 1000 years, with its own rules and with its own conventional playing pieces. This older form existed in Persia before the 7th century Muslim conquest. It then spread across the expanding Arab world, through northern Africa, and throughout Europe — all the while maintaining the same set of rules and the same style of chessmen.

Although some minor variations did occur, the basic game remained the same, lasting centuries and spanning continents.

The conventional shapes of the ancient chess pieces are rather mysterious. Generally speaking, they are simplified abstractions based on familiar carvings of the pieces they represent: The King (on elephant back), his Counselor (also riding an elephant) an Elephant warrior (the tusks are apparent), a Horse (the protruding nose identifies this piece), a Chariot (a V-shaped groove somehow indicates a chariot).

The rules given here are the best available account of how the game of chess (Persian chatrang; Arabic shatranj) was played in Persia, probably as long ago as the 6th century A.D.

## Key features

- Historical chess variant
- Ancient ruleset
- Unique piece designs
- Game history and evolution
- Persian origins

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shatranj-ancient-chess/id1397288919/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Either advertise so people are online or add bots

*2020-07-22*

No one is ever online 

So please add bots or advertise this

## Frequently asked questions about Shatranj

### What is Shatranj?

Shatranj is a historical variant of chess that was played for nearly 1000 years before the modern game. It features different piece designs and a ruleset that originated in Persia.

### Does Shatranj have ads?

Yes, Shatranj contains advertisements. This is a common monetization strategy for free games.

### What devices does Shatranj support?

Shatranj is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### What is the age rating for Shatranj?

Shatranj has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of players.

### How often is Shatranj updated?

The latest version of Shatranj was released on December 17, 2024, indicating recent developer activity and support.

### What are the piece designs like in Shatranj?

The piece designs in Shatranj are simplified abstractions of familiar chess pieces, often based on carvings. For example, the King is depicted on elephant back, and the Horse is identified by its protruding nose.

### What is the user rating for Shatranj?

Shatranj has a rating of 3.0 stars from 2 ratings. This suggests a mixed reception from its current user base.

### Is Shatranj free to play?

Yes, Shatranj is available for free. However, it does include advertisements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.8 — 2024-12-17

- Bug fixed.

### 1.7 — 2024-10-29

- Bug fixed.

### 1.6 — 2024-10-12

- Bug fixed.

### 1.5 — 2024-08-25

- Bug fixed.

### 1.4 — 2024-08-03

Bug fixed.

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## More apps by Nora Ky

- [Rek](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rek/id928419019)
- [KhlaSiKo (Tigers and Cows)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/khlasiko-tigers-and-cows/id931775512)
- [Ouk Chaktrang](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ouk-chaktrang/id1134384491)
- [Makruk - Thai Chess (หมากรุก)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/makruk-thai-chess/id1155033508)
- [Snakes And Ladders (Khmer Game)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snakes-and-ladders-khmer-game/id1158475640)
- [Chess Online (International)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-online-international/id1164382319)

All apps by Nora Ky: https://appshunter.io/developer/928419018

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*