Recollecting the History of Mysore Ganjifa: An Art Historical Perspective

Abstract

Vijayanagara Empire becomes one of the best examples for understanding the development of different art forms in southern region of India. Vijayanagara Empire is not just known for its supremacy in administration and political and economic power but also the empire shares its contribution in the field of art and culture. This research paper is an attempt to know how Vijayanagara becomes the root cause for different art forms or style of paintings such as Surpur style paintings, Tanjavur paintings, traditional Mysore painting, Ganjifa art etc. during the period of its reign. It is necessary to trace out the legacy of these paintings till present day and condition of these forms of paintings till date. This paper specially tries to emphasis on Ganjifa art form. Since Ganjifa art form is losing its historical values as generations are passing, not much artists are trained or specialized in this art form today. The Mysore Ganjifa takes an interesting visual forms and visual language. It is necessary to archive the traditions style of Ganjifa art form and its history since it is in its fading stage. Though Mysore Ganjifa emerged under the shelter of Vijayanagara empire, this art form was further patronized by the Mysore Wodeyars. Different themes were narrated through paintings in miniature forms, having influence of other art forms on Mysore Ganjifa in terms of visual language, this paper attempts to trace out the influence that Mysore Ganjifa encountered and how it is different from other art form which took shape during the Vijayanagara period. Therefore, this paper focus to archive the traditional and stylistically characteristics of Mysore Ganjifa and know its present-day position as an art form in Mysore.