The Story of
Mysore Art
& Ganjifa
A living legacy of devotion, storytelling, and craftsmanship — kept alive for the next generation.
Mysuru
The Origin
Mysore Painting —
Born of Devotion
Mysore art did not begin in Mysore. Its roots trace back to the magnificent temples and royal courts of the Vijayanagara Empire — one of South India’s greatest centres of art and culture.
Vijayanagara Era
A Royal Tradition is Born
Artists created deeply devotional, narrative paintings — rich in symmetry, storytelling, and spiritual intent under the patronage of kings.
1565 AD · Battle of Talikota
Artists Find Refuge in Mysore
With the fall of Hampi, artists migrated south, finding a new home under the Wodeyar dynasty where the art evolved into a more refined, intimate form.
The Signature Style
Gold Foil & Serene Grace
Soft colour palettes, graceful expressions, and intricate gesso relief with gold foil gave Mysore paintings their unmistakable luminosity.
The Royal Card Game
The World of
Mysore Ganjifa
Imagine a royal evening in Mysore — lamps glowing, silk rustling, soft laughter in the air. In the hands of kings and courtiers were exquisite hand-painted circles… each one telling a story.
Patronised by the Wodeyar dynasty, Ganjifa cards were carefully handcrafted and painted — designed not just for play, but for storytelling and aesthetic beauty. The most celebrated sets depict the Dashavatara — the ten avatars of Vishnu.
Matsya
The Fish
Kurma
The Tortoise
Rama
The Warrior Prince
Krishna
The Playful Divine
“Some traditions survive in museums… others survive because we choose to carry them forward.”
✦ The Hobby PlaceA Legacy Revived
A Tradition Almost Lost…
and Brought Back
There was a time when Ganjifa nearly disappeared. Modern playing cards replaced it, and only a handful of artisans continued the craft.
Artists like Raghupathi Bhat played a vital role — travelling, teaching, and reintroducing this art to new generations. Because of such efforts, Ganjifa today is not just preserved — it is experienced.
In 2013, The Hobby Place had the honour of inviting Shri Raghupathi Bhat to inaugurate our studio in Mysuru — the beginning of our decade-long commitment to keeping these traditions alive.
Our Commitment
The Hobby Place, Mysuru
We believe tradition lives only when it is practiced — not just preserved.
Rekindle Awareness
We regularly host master artists from across the country, bringing the living traditions of Mysore painting and Ganjifa into direct experience.
Workshops for All Ages
Personalised workshops for children and adults — from beginners to enthusiasts — in a calm, beautiful studio space in Mysuru.
Support Artists
Every class, every commissioned painting is a step towards keeping traditional Indian art forms alive for the next generation.
🎨 Commission a Painting
We undertake commissioned paintings in Mysore and Ganjifa styles — a meaningful, timeless, and truly unique gifting choice for every occasion.
“Some traditions survive in museums… others survive because we choose to carry them forward.”