Chess was not invented by a single person but is believed to have originated in India around the 6th century CE during the Gupta Empire. The game evolved from an earlier Indian game called "chaturanga," which means "four divisions" referring to the four parts of the Indian army: infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots. This ancient game is recognized as the earliest form of chess. Over centuries, chaturanga spread to Persia where it evolved into "shatranj," and eventually made its way to Europe, undergoing modifications to become the modern chess we know today.
In summary, chess was invented as an early strategic war game in India, and no single individual is credited as the inventor. Instead, it developed gradually through cultural exchanges and adaptations over time.