Ganjifa™

Colourful round cards with Ganjifa-type designs (but French suits), made by Asha Industries, Mumbai, India, 2002. The Ks and Qs are seated figures in Indian costume, the Js a rider on a white horse. The same four designs are used in each suit. All four Aces show an elephant with two men aboard, one in a howdah and one being a mahout, with the maker’s name added to the Ace of Spades. Different background colour for each suit. Likewise, a different background colour is used for each of the three Jokers. The date 2002 appears on all the court cards, Aces and Jokers. Floral patterned backs. On the outer box the name GANJIFA is followed by a trademark symbol (odd that such a generic word should carry a trademark). See the box►

Above: Ganjifa-type cards with French suits by Asha Industries, Mumbai, India, 2002. 52 cards + 3 Jokers in a clear circular box inside a square tuck box.

Addendum: Ganjifa Oval Shape by Asha Industries

The same designs exist (one could say squashed) on oval cards. The colours are the same as on the circular pack. The back design, however, is different. See the box►

Above: Ganjifa Oval Shape by Asha Industries, 2002. 52 cards + 3 Jokers in tuck box. Size: 58 x 90 mm.