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20th century

Ramayana Ganjifa (Playing Cards)

Artist/maker unknown

Image 1 of 171 / 17

This complete set of 144 cards has 12 suits, each dedicated to a character from the Ramayana. In this trick-taking card game, Rama and five allies battle Ravana and five demons. The suits are distinguishable by color and sign: Rama's suit is red and his sign is an arrow, Ravana's is maroon with a mace, and Hanuman's is dark blue with a mountain of herbs (although it looks more like a cap). Hanuman is also featured on the brightly painted storage box.

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Artist/maker unknown, Ramayana Ganjifa (Playing Cards), 20th century | Philadelphia Art Museum