Inside the home of Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, you won’t just find trophies and medals – you’ll discover stories carved in copper, shaped in wood, folded in paper, and embedded in centuries of culture. Mashable India recently gave a rare glimpse into the chess set collection at Anand’s residence, and each piece isn’t just a board—it’s a chapter from a remarkable journey.
Every chess set in Viswanathan Anand’s home tells a story—of victories, travels, personal connections, and even a few mysteries. Together, they form a mosaic of the legendary Grandmaster’s journey. The video was reshared by Indian billionaire Harsh Goenka on X.
A 27-kilo memory from Mexico
Among the many chess sets displayed in Anand’s house, one stands out for its sheer weight—and the story behind it. A stunning 27-kilogram piece made of copper and bronze, it was acquired during a trip to Mexico. While Anand wasn’t thrilled at the idea of lugging a giant metal board across continents, his wife, Aruna Anand, was adamant. As she hilariously recalled, “I don’t mind leaving you behind, but I’m not leaving this chessboard behind.” In the end, the Grandmaster carried the bulky treasure on his lap throughout the flight back home. It’s not just a beautiful artefact—it’s a symbol of passion and persistence. This iconic heavy chess set is Vishwanathan Anand’s favourite—not for its aesthetics, but for the journey it represents.
Gifts from home and beyond
Several of the sets were gifted to Anand by the Tamil Nadu government following his first World Championship win. One particularly intriguing set is puzzle-like in design: each piece fits snugly inside another, turning a regular chess game into an experience of unravelling layers, quite literally.
Aruna Anand further showed another exquisite board that was gifted in Spain, during Anand’s time in the quiet town of Collado Mediano. The town bestowed upon him the honorary title Hijo Predilecto, meaning “Most Distinguished Son”, she claims. The set, steeped in Spanish craftsmanship, carries Islamic and Jewish influences, particularly from the culturally rich city of Toledo. It's more than a chessboard—it's a historical tapestry.
From Chile with Lapis Lazuli
One of the more visually striking sets hails from Chile. Inspired by the famous Moai statues of Easter Island (Isla de Pascua), this set is inlaid with Lapis Lazuli, a deep-blue semi-precious stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan.
A mystery from the past
Then there’s a piece whose origin is unknown, found tucked away in Anand’s house after his father passed away. This unusual revolving set, possibly repurposed from a writing desk, isn’t ideal for actual gameplay. Even Anand himself isn’t sure whether it was originally meant to be a chessboard. Regardless, it stands proudly among the collection—a decorative relic with a sense of mystery.
The art of folding: Origami chess
One of the most personal and touching additions to the collection is a chess set made entirely out of origami. It was created by artist Aravind Sundar, whose work explores mathematical patterns—a subject Anand’s son is deeply passionate about. The family reached out to Aravind anonymously, simply sharing that a young fan admired his work. The artist responded with a beautifully crafted gift, making it one of the most meaningful sets in the house.
Every chess set in Viswanathan Anand’s home tells a story—of victories, travels, personal connections, and even a few mysteries. Together, they form a mosaic of the legendary Grandmaster’s journey. The video was reshared by Indian billionaire Harsh Goenka on X.
A 27-kilo memory from Mexico
Among the many chess sets displayed in Anand’s house, one stands out for its sheer weight—and the story behind it. A stunning 27-kilogram piece made of copper and bronze, it was acquired during a trip to Mexico. While Anand wasn’t thrilled at the idea of lugging a giant metal board across continents, his wife, Aruna Anand, was adamant. As she hilariously recalled, “I don’t mind leaving you behind, but I’m not leaving this chessboard behind.” In the end, the Grandmaster carried the bulky treasure on his lap throughout the flight back home. It’s not just a beautiful artefact—it’s a symbol of passion and persistence. This iconic heavy chess set is Vishwanathan Anand’s favourite—not for its aesthetics, but for the journey it represents.
The Grandmaster Vishwanath Anand’s collection of chess sets and the stories behind them…. pic.twitter.com/CySYmszgUJ
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) April 22, 2025
Gifts from home and beyond
Several of the sets were gifted to Anand by the Tamil Nadu government following his first World Championship win. One particularly intriguing set is puzzle-like in design: each piece fits snugly inside another, turning a regular chess game into an experience of unravelling layers, quite literally.
Aruna Anand further showed another exquisite board that was gifted in Spain, during Anand’s time in the quiet town of Collado Mediano. The town bestowed upon him the honorary title Hijo Predilecto, meaning “Most Distinguished Son”, she claims. The set, steeped in Spanish craftsmanship, carries Islamic and Jewish influences, particularly from the culturally rich city of Toledo. It's more than a chessboard—it's a historical tapestry.
From Chile with Lapis Lazuli
One of the more visually striking sets hails from Chile. Inspired by the famous Moai statues of Easter Island (Isla de Pascua), this set is inlaid with Lapis Lazuli, a deep-blue semi-precious stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan.
A mystery from the past
Then there’s a piece whose origin is unknown, found tucked away in Anand’s house after his father passed away. This unusual revolving set, possibly repurposed from a writing desk, isn’t ideal for actual gameplay. Even Anand himself isn’t sure whether it was originally meant to be a chessboard. Regardless, it stands proudly among the collection—a decorative relic with a sense of mystery.
The art of folding: Origami chess
One of the most personal and touching additions to the collection is a chess set made entirely out of origami. It was created by artist Aravind Sundar, whose work explores mathematical patterns—a subject Anand’s son is deeply passionate about. The family reached out to Aravind anonymously, simply sharing that a young fan admired his work. The artist responded with a beautifully crafted gift, making it one of the most meaningful sets in the house.
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