Shahnameh شاهنامه

Ferdowsi فردوسی began writing the Shâh Nâmeh (Book of Kings) in 977 and completed it on March 8, 1010.

This epic poem recounts the history of Greater Iran and attributes the invention of the game of Nard and its transmission to the Indians to the vizier Bozorgmehr, during the reign of Khosrow Anushirvan (531–579).

Since the 14th century, copies of the Shahnameh are illustrated and allow to see a resemblance to backgammon. Among these illustrated copies, some scenes suggest that the starting position was the same as today.

These illustrations seem to confirm the use of a woven carpet as a game board, as noted by Hong Zun in the Pushuang.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

This folio from 1300/1330 (Iran or Iraq), originally belonged to the same manuscript as the one in the Chester Beatty Library (referenced as 'Per 104'). This manuscript is known as the 'First Small Shahnama'.

It is written in Classical Persian, notably: بگوید در این تخت بازی نرد  "He shall explain, on this board, the game of nard."

It shows a game already begun. The vizir Bozorgmehr hides 3 red pieces with his hand.

San Diego Museum of Art

On this folio from 1500 (sultanate India), it is written: نامۀ نوشین روان و نرد شطرنج و بوزجمهر  "The Letter of Khosrow Anushirvan, Nard, Chess, and Bozorgmehr."

The vizir Bozorgmehr has moved 5 white pieces from their starting positions whereas the Black player has only moved 2. The Black player is behind in race because one the 2 pieces he moved was hit.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

This folio from 1525 (Turkey) shows the starting position but only the black pieces are depicted.