Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) is an ancient legume crop with a rich history of domestication and cultivation. Understanding the origin and history of chickpea provides valuable insights into its genetic diversity and adaptation to diverse environments. This review explores the domestication process, geographic distribution, and historical significance of chickpea. Furthermore, it highlights the role of molecular breeding in harnessing the genetic potential of this crop. The use of molecular markers and advanced genomic tools has revolutionized breeding efforts, enabling the identification of key traits and the development of improved disease resistant varieties. The review also discusses the advancements that have accelerated progress in chickpea improvement. Insights from genomic studies have unraveled the genetic basis of biotic stress tolerance. The integration of genomics with conventional breeding methods has paved the way for efficient selection and accelerated the breeding process. Finally, the review discusses the future prospects and potential applications of molecular breeding in chickpea improvement, including the utilization of genomic selection and genome editing techniques. Understanding the domestication and molecular breeding history of chickpea provides a foundation for the development of superior varieties with enhanced productivity, quality, and resilience to biotic stresses. This knowledge contributes to the overall goal of sustainable chickpea production and food security.