However, Jeev Milkha Singh shot a disappointing three-over 75 that immediately put him in the danger zone of missed cut.
Chowrasia, winner of two European tour events in India, started on the tenth and was two under for first nine holes. Then with birdies on first and second, he was four-under in 11 holes. A bogey on fifth put him at three-under.
Jeev had just one birdie on 18th and four bogeys in his 75.
Matthew Baldwin shot seven-under-par 65 to take the opening round lead. He nailed seven birdies for a one stroke lead over former winner Scott Strange from Australia, Dutchman Joost Luiten, South African Jbe Kruger, Gary Boyd from England, Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gonnet and Fredrik Andersson Hed from Sweden.