Dashabatar Cards

According to his directive, an artist from Bishnupur, Kartik Faujdar, created the first Dashabatar Cards.

[5][6] However, Indian scholar Hara Prasad Shastri believes that these cards originated earlier in the 8th century.

Furthermore, the lotus representing Buddha was a common emblem for when he was still known as Bodhisattva Padmapani during the reign of the Pala kings.

Prabhat Kumar Saha, an expert on Dashavatar cards, said: "Malla dynasty ruled from about 12th century AD to 1622".

[9][4] The artists from the Faujdar family of Bishnupur specialise in making these cards.

Both court cards depict the same avatar for its suit, but one is differentiated by being enthroned in a sort of temple with attendants on either side.

It is considered the most popular Ganjifa set played throughout India, and depending on demand, this set may be extended up to 24 suits to encompass more major deities like Brahma, Shiva, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Surya, Chandra, etc.