Bhubaneswar, Feb. 9: The development commissioner for handicrafts has hosted a four-month long workshop at Raghurajpur with a view to preserving the almost extinct art form of ancient Ganjapa cards, which are known for their beautiful paintings.

The workshop that began in January is grooming 15 young artists on the intricate art forms. Banamali Mohapatra, 65, one of the last surviving experts in creating Ganjapa cards, is training the youngsters of his village.

Ganjapa are playing cards that are popular in Ganjam and Puri districts. "The cards were named in accordance with the number of colours used in the entire set. For example, if a pack was made of eight colours, it would be named atharangi, for 10 colours dasarangi, 12 colours vararangi, 14 colours chaudarangi and for 16 colours solarangi," said Mohapatra.

Earlier, Ganjapa cards used to be played at royal houses, and affluent people indulged in them with great fanfare. The craft villages in and around Puri saw extensive use of the Ganjapa cards even a few decades ago. With references of Ganjifa in various Mughal texts and chronicles that includes Babar's memoir, it is believed that the game had an Islamic influence in the state and dates back to the 16th century. However, now this unique art form is almost a thing of the past.

"Since they were used in games, the cards were rather popular. Now, there is a steady decline and unless there is proper patronage, Ganjapa cards will surely be consigned to history," said Biswanath Swain, a trainer in palm leaf etchings. Swain is also taking part in the workshop. Swain and some other artists of Raghurajpur formed a group called Parampara that celebrated its silver jubilee last week and hosted a seminar that shed light on the Ganjapa cards.

Mohapatra and other veteran Ganjapa and pattachitra artists such as 75-year-old Jayadev Moharana and Gangadhar Moharana took part in it. Their works were also exhibited at the event.

Around 42 kiosks displaying the sculptures and handicrafts made by the women of Raghurajpur and nearby areas of Puri district were also exhibited at the event. Around 200 artisans took part in the event that has been an annual affair since the past 22 years.