Ganjapa

Ganjapa (Odia: ଗଞ୍ଜପା) are the traditional playing cards from the Indian state Odisha. 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, Ganjapa 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. 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. Odisha has by far the largest community of Ganjifa players and manufacturers.

The Odia word Ganjapa is believed to be related to "Ganjifa" (originated from Persian word Ganjifeh) that was popular by the Mughal emperors.

The first written document regarding the play dates back to Mamluk times 1399 – 1412, mentioning about the winning of a ransom by Mamluk’s army officer by playing Kanjafa. The Topkapı Palace in Istanbul has a collection of a set of Mamluk cards. Earliest mention of Ganjifa is found in 1527 AD during Mughal emperor Babur's rule.

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