India, Jan. 9 -- The game is getting intense. The two chess players are pacing up and down the giant board placed on the Lindenhof Hill, one of the oldest neighbourhoods and gardens in Zurich, Switzerland. An onlooker can no longer contain his excitement. He steps onto the playing field and offers some advice to the old man on the black side. Our gamer nods, moves a pawn, and the small audience applauds the move.

Our advisor heaves a sigh of relief, walks away and pours himself a drink from the Hedwig fountain across the chessboard.

Built in 1912, the fountain has a beautiful statue of a Swiss woman wearing a helmet and chain mail, bearing a spear, flag and sword. The powerful sculpture that looks quite real commemorates the women who d...