The Artistic Legacy of Ganjifa Cards of Sawantwadi

India is a land full of traditions, stories, and beautiful art forms, many of which are slowly fading away with time. As modern life grows faster, old games, crafts, and customs are being forgotten. But in the peaceful town of Sawantwadi, tucked away in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, something special is happening. Here, a royal family is working with great love and dedication to protect one such forgotten treasure, the Ganjifa cards of Sawantwadi. These are not ordinary playing cards. Ganjifa cards are hand-painted, colourful, and filled with fine details and traditional stories. Once played in royal courts and admired for their beauty, these cards had almost disappeared. But thanks to the efforts of the Sawantwadi Palace, this beautiful tradition is finding its way back into the world. This article takes you through the story of the Sawantwadi Palace, the unique game of Ganjifa, its history, and how a small town is keeping a big tradition alive.

 What is the Ganjifa Card Game?

Ganjifa is not your regular card game. It is a beautiful and traditional game made up of hand-painted cards. These cards are usually round or square and are full of bright colours and tiny, detailed drawings. Each card tells a story, often based on Indian Gods, myths, or symbols. One of the most famous types is the Dashavatara Ganjifa, which shows the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The game is played by 2 to 4 people and needs a mix of memory and strategy. But even if people don’t play it today, the Ganjifa cards of Sawantwadi are treasured for their art and cultural value.

The History of the Ganjifa Card Game

Ganjifa originally came from Persia and came to India during the Mughal era. The Mughals enjoyed playing it, and soon, Indian kings and artists made their versions. Indian Ganjifa cards included local stories and styles and were painted using natural colours. In Maharashtra, especially in Sawantwadi, this art became famous. Artists here created bright, colourful Ganjifa cards with great attention to detail. Sadly, over time, this tradition started to fade. People switched to regular playing cards and digital games, and slowly, the number of artists making Ganjifa cards dropped.

The Ganjifa cards of Sawantwadi are being brought back to life by the efforts of the royal family of Sawantwadi, especially Yuvraj Lakham Sawant Bhonsle and Yuvrani Shraddha Raje Bhonsle. They have turned parts of the palace into an art studio, where local artists are trained to make these cards the traditional way. Visitors can see the cards being painted, meet the artists, and even try painting a card themselves. This has made the palace not just a historical place, but also a living museum of Ganjifa art. The palace also runs a heritage hotel, where rooms are decorated with Ganjifa designs. This way, visitors can enjoy the local culture in a personal and fun way. More importantly, artists now have steady work, and young people are learning the craft again. Thanks to these efforts, the Ganjifa cards of Sawantwadi are no longer forgotten; they are becoming known across India and the world as a unique and beautiful part of our heritage.

Shop and Play Ganjifa

Do you wish to buy these Ganjifa cards? Then this Indian brand is what you need! Go Swadeshi is an Indian homegrown brand that sells the 'Dashavtara Ganjifa'. It is a set of cards that highlights the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu. These Polti handmade Ganijifa cards are priced at Rs. 19,500 and are 100% authentic and hand-painted. 

 Why It’s Important to Save Our Culture and Traditions

India is full of colours, stories, and traditions. Art forms like Ganjifa are not just hobbies, they are a way of understanding our history and our identity. When these arts are lost, we lose a part of ourselves. The efforts at Sawantwadi show that tradition and modern life can go hand in hand. By supporting local art, learning about our roots, or even buying a handmade piece, we can help keep these stories alive. Preserving the Ganjifa cards of Sawantwadi is not just about saving a game, it’s about saving a piece of India’s tradition.