Ganjapa

Ganjapa cards
"Atharangi Ganjapa" cards painted with traditional Pattachitra painting of Krishna in his Nabagunjara form

Ganjapa (Odia: ଗଞ୍ଜପା) are the traditional playing cards from the Indian state Odisha.[1] It can also refer to the trick-taking card game that they are used for. It is played with circular shaped Pattachitra painted cards. Originated in the 16th century, Ganjaku is a recreational game for male members of the Odia society, primarily villagers, kings and their courtmen. Ganjapa is played as "Charirangi" (cards of 4 colors), "Atharangi" (cards of 8 colors), "Dasarangi" (cards of 10 colors), "Bararangi" (cards of 12 colors), "Chaudarangi" (cards of 14 colors) and "Sohalarangi" (cards of 16 colors). The variation of this game influenced by Persian card game Ganjifeh is known as "Mughal Ganjifa". The game is popular in Puri and Ganjam district of Odisha.[2][3] As a result of the relative isolation of Odisha in the past, Ganjapa developed very differently from the Ganjifa found in the rest of India.[4] Odisha has by far the largest community of Ganjifa players and manufacturers.

  1. ^ Singha, Minati (22 May 2014). "Ganjapa lost in the mists of time". Times of India. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  2. ^ Panda, Namita. "Days numbered for Ganjapa cards". Telegraph. Archived from the original on November 8, 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  3. ^ Das, Sib Kumar. "A unique pack of cards". Hindu. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  4. ^ Mann, Sylvia (1990). All Cards on the Table. Leinfelden: Deutsches Spielkarten-Museum. pp. 184–192.