"Shatranj Ke Khilari" is a famous Hindi novella written by Munshi Premchand. Set in the late 19th century, it explores the lives of two noblemen, Mirza Sajjad Ali and Mirza Ismail, who become obsessed with the game of chess, or shatranj. Their passion for the game leads to neglect of their families and responsibilities, reflecting the socio-political climate of the time. The story is set against the backdrop of the British colonization of India, highlighting the indifference of the elite towards the struggles of the common people. Through the characters' fixation on chess, Premchand critiques the futility of their pursuits and the consequences of escapism in a changing world.