Ganjifa, a card game that was popular in the past, is an art form that is thought to have been introduced by the Mughals and is mentioned in “Babarnama.” This art form is referred to as “Ganjappa” in Odisha; the term originated from the districts of Ganjam. The game is gradually becoming lost as players are hard to find these days.
How is it played?
The game is played by 4 players representative of the four main pillars of Odiya Culture Jagannatha, Bala Bhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan. It is believed that Ganjappa is a kaliyug game because of the gambling involved in the game which is not much praised of. The cards have an ornamental back and a front face demarcating as face cards or pip cards. The game is played as a trick-game like flash. Traditionally the cards are made of 4,8,10,12 rangi decks as well as personalized.
Current scenario of Ganjappa
For a variety of causes, the art form appears to be in decline right now. Looking back at the evolution of the profession, it can be seen that artists are now more concerned with commerce, and plagiarism is more common. From a business standpoint, intermediaries have become increasingly prevalent. They purchase these cards at a lower cost, depriving the artists of their rightful compensation.
Due to the labor-intensive process involved in creating color, some craftsmen are turning to alternative mediums, while those who choose natural color schemes opt for ready-made pieces that are frequently of lower quality and short lifespan. Naturally, the colors are created in such a way that black is created from lamp soot, red from a stone known as Hingulal, and white from powdered conch shells. Today’s artists lack the patience and perseverance needed for this procedure.
Craftsmanship
Making the cards takes a full thirty days. They are created on an aged saree canvas, painted with natural hues, and sealed with gum arabesques. Wood, palm leaves, leather, sandalwood, treated fabric, and other materials were used to make the decks. It began with 96 cards and 8 suits for Mughal Ganjappa and is currently at the popular 8 to 12 suit Dashavatar based on the incarnations of Vishnu.
A significant challenge to the uniqueness and exclusivity of the art form is the tendency of many artists to modernize their subjects through illustrations in order to appeal to contemporary audiences. An artist needs to understand a character inside and out, as well as the relationships and reasons behind its traits, in order to create a character accurately. When compared to Western card games, Ganjappa cards are less suitable. Those that continue to depict classic subjects are operating at a very cursory level. Few artists take the time to read up on the subjects they paint, which frequently results in a compromise on the intricacies and richness of narrative in their work.
Players and art fans alike were once enthralled by the distinctive cards, which were covered with vivid colors and intricate images. However, Ganjappa finds it increasingly difficult to remain relevant in today’s world as more current kinds of entertainment gain popularity.
A heartbreaking reminder of the significance of respecting and preserving our cultural history, Ganjappa’s preservation stands in stark contrast to a society increasingly dominated by rapid technology breakthroughs and shifting social dynamics. As the keepers of this age-old custom, it is our duty to make that Ganjappa’s legacy lives on, enduring the test of time and leaving an enduring imprint on the fabric of human history.
