Ganjifa, is a card game and type of playing cards that are most associated with Persia and India.

Karnataka

Treasures in Circles: Unveiling the Art and History of Ganjifa Cards

Handcrafted and hand-painted by Chitrakars*

Ganjifa, is a card game and type of playing cards that are most associated with Persia and India.
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The fascinating game of Ganjifa

Mysore is probably one of the most popular cities of southern India, as it should be. Majestic palaces whisper tales of royal grandeur from a bygone era, the scent of sandalwood drifts in the air through the many perfumes and soaps manufactured here, and history seems to unfold in every corner of this city. Mysore is a place of beauty and splendour. Yet, few are aware of a curious game played here - Ganjifa.

Ganjifa or Ganjeepha are playing cards, meticulously crafted in Mysore and its neighboring regions in Karnataka. These cards are more than mere games – they're miniature works of art. Each card boasts intricate designs and often incorporates the captivating imagery of deities, making Ganjifa a unique blend of strategic play and artistic heritage. Though its roots trace back to Persia, Ganjifa found a cherished home in India, where it continues to be a testament to the country's rich cultural tapestry.

From Persian roots to Indian tradition

The earliest references of the Ganjifa dates back to the 15th century. The cards have been primarily associated with the Mughals but their roots belong in Persia. The first mention comes from the historian Ibn Taghribirdi who described a Mamluk sultan enjoying a game called kanjifa – the medieval Arabic name for Ganjifa. It is believed that the game arrived in India with the Mughals, as evidenced by a journal entry of 1527 made by Babur himself! Even gameplay details can be gleaned from the 16th-century Humayun-nama, authored by Gulbadan Begum.

Over time, Ganjifa sprouted regional variations, each boasting unique iconography, deck composition, and cultural significance. Notably, Hindu-themed Ganjifa drew inspiration from Kreeda Patra, an even older Indian card game. It seems plausible that the Ganjifa has survived six centuries in India due to its detailed designs and historic/mythical characters. One popular deck called Dashavatara Ganjifa, which features all ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, is beloved and celebrated even today as part of traditional festivals in Mysore!

Artistry of the Chitrakars*

Unlike their rectangular West Asian counterparts, Indian Ganjifa cards stand out with their unique circular shape. During the era of Mughal emperors, the decks for royalty were crafted in the luxury of ivory and tortoiseshell, while the commoners played with cards crafted from simpler materials like starched cloth, papier-mâché, or palm leaves. The level of artistry also varied between these cards. For the royalty, each card was adorned akin to an elaborate painting. Factors like demand and prevailing tastes further influenced the intricacy of the designs. However, one thing remained constant: the court cards. These were the most meticulously crafted, reflecting their importance in gameplay. They were like miniature paintings in one’s hand –e.g a king or minister astride a horse against a scenic backdrop, with the suit symbol woven into the artwork. These royal and noble decks truly elevated Ganjifa cards to works of art. Even today, the Ganjifa cards are hand-made and hand-painted by skilled craftsmen known as the Chitrakars.

Several variations of the Mughal Ganjifa developed over time. These include a version invented by Akbar called Ganjapa (played till date in Odisha), the ten-suited Dashavatara Ganjifa, Mysore Chad Ganjifa, Naqsh Ganjifa, Sawantwadi Ganjifa from Maharashtra, and Ramayana Ganjapa from Odisha. The game is rarely played today, with the chitrakars ocassionally creating novelty packs for display.


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Karnataka

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Embossed onto its canvas to produce 3D effects, elaborately detailed, in bright contrasting colours, etched with gold leafs for ornamentation – the Ganjifa cards are as beautiful as they are interesting to play with. In 2008, the Ganjifa Cards of Mysore were protected as Geographical Indication (GI) by the Government of India.

Indeed, these cards are an unparalleled opportunity for insight into Karnataka culture and buying one as a keepsake souvenir is like bringing a part of Mysore home.