In a bid to popularise the traditional Ganjifa painting, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) is conducting a workshop under the museum’s ‘Do and Learn’ series.
Training is being imparted to participants at the workshop, which commenced on Thursday and will conclude on March 12. Well-known artiste Chandrika and her assistants from Mysuru are conducting the training programme. Ms. Chandrika is the daughter of renowned palace artiste Ramanarasiah who rendered many murals.
J. Vijay Mohan, officer in-charge of IGRMS, said the traditional Ganjifa game was a popular pastime among the royalty and the nobility in ancient India and soon gained popularity among the masses.
Though some critics trace its presence even in mythology, Ganjifa as a game attained popularity during the period of the Mughals, said Mr. Vijay Mohan. However, its popularity waned until it was revived in Mysuru region by the Wadiyars.
But, in the present times it is the art of rendering the miniature paintings that has gained importance, he adds.
The IGRMS, which is located at Wellington House, Irwin Road, conducts such workshops periodically in a bid to expose Mysureans to exotic art works from different parts of India. This not only helps in their propagation but also in preserving them for posterity.
