Tradition,
set in motion.

Aṣṭa-Aiśvarya Gañjifā is a collaborative cultural project inspired by the research and translation of Kautuka Nidhi, a remarkable three-volume work associated with Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar.

The original manuscripts are preserved at the Mysore Oriental Research Institute (ORI), Mysore, which is bringing this important work into publication for the first time. The three volumes, scheduled for release this year, explore the rich world of traditional Indian games. The first volume is devoted to Ganjifa cards, the second to Indian board games, and the third to various nine-board and knight-tour problems.

At the intellectual heart of this project is scholar Arjun Bharadwaj, whose research and translation provide its foundation. Taking this knowledge beyond the written page, the project seeks to revive Mysore Ganjifa not merely as an object of artistic appreciation, but as a tradition to be experienced and played.

This project marks an attempt to recreate Mysore Ganjifa as a playable collection for the first time in approximately 200–250 years.

The collection comprises 160 hand-painted cards, brought to life by our in-house artist, Sharan. Each card has been digitised and is being prepared for printing as a physical collection.

The interpretation and reconstruction of the game's rules have also benefited from the contributions of game enthusiasts, including Sharath, whose insights have helped bring the experience of play closer to life.

Curated by Abhijaata, the project brings together historical scholarship, artistic craftsmanship and the joy of traditional games. Arjun Bharadwaj leads its scholarly foundation, while Abhijaata undertakes the curation and development of the collection as contemporary cultural merchandise and a playable tradition.