Introduction: A Glimpse into a Forgotten Tradition
In the temple town of Bishnupur, West Bengal, famous for its terracotta temples and classical music- once thrived a remarkable tradition that wove together mythology, artistry, and everyday leisure: the ‘Dashavatar Tas’.
These were no ordinary playing cards. Crafted meticulously by hand and painted in vibrant natural pigments, these cards primarily represented one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu- as a portable gallery of divine stories. This circular shaped cards symbolised a unique confluence of art, culture, and spirituality.
Once integral to Bishnupur’s cultural rhythm, the Dashavatar Tas has now faded from memory, surviving only in dusty archives, scattered museum collections, and the recollections of aging artisans.
Origin of the Art Form: Royal Patronage and Divine Inspiration
According to folklores, the roots of Dashavatar Tas can be traced back to the late 16th century, during the reign of Bir Hambir, a powerful Malla king of Bishnupur. Influenced by his interactions at Emperor Akbar’s Mughal court, Bir Hambir is said to have been inspired by ‘Ganjifa’, a Persian card game. After returning to Bishnupur, he asked local artists to reinterpret this card tradition using Hindu iconography, specifically the ten avatars of Vishnu.
What followed was a remarkable fusion of Mughal aesthetics and Hindu mythology. Local artisans were commissioned to create the cards, painting each one by hand on circular pieces of white cloth (preferably, Dhuti) stiffened with natural glue and lacquer. Thus, Dashavatar Tas was born- a game that was as much about faith and philosophy as it was about entertainment.
Another tradition says, the establishment of Vaishnavism during Bir Hambir’s reign might have had something to do with enjoying pastime in a different and non-violent way and this might have given birth to the game of ‘Dashavatar Tas’.
How It Flourished: A Game of Gods and Kings
Once introduced, Dashavatar Tas quickly gained favor in Bishnupur’s royal courts and among its Brahminical elite as well as the people in general. To begin the game, at least five peoples were essential. While total number of cards were 120, each player was distributed 24 cards. Main game was of 24 points. One round consisted of 17 times of shuffling. Interestingly, value of each card varied over the time as well as the weather of the particular time when the game was being played.
More than just a pastime, the game served as an oral storytelling tradition, where each round brought forth tales from the Puranas and epics. Children learned mythology through play, and elders passed down philosophy through painted circles. Over time, the craft evolved, with artisans developing unique techniques and styles, further embedding the Dashavatar Tas into the cultural identity of Bishnupur.
Motifs: Symbolism and Artistic Expression
Matsya (Fish), Kurma (Turtle), Varaha (Boar), Narasimha (Lion-man), Vamana (Dwarf Man), Parashurama, Rama, Valarama, Buddha and Kalki- these ten avatara or incarnations are the main theme of ‘Dashavatara Tas’, following the name. Total number of cards are 120. Ten cards with the images of the ten avatars, one for each avatar. Ten more cards with the image of the ‘Wazir’. Ten cards under these avatars and the Wazirs, including people of different classes and levels of society and their influence varies in that proportion.
It may seem that a wonderful reflection of the society of the mythological era has been embodied in these illustrated Dasavatar cards. The power of the mythological avatars is infinite and their representatives are the ‘Wazirs’. So, their glory is enough. Then the rest of the society, and there too the hierarchy is clearly visible, from the Jagirdar to the Paik-barkandaj, the lower level security guards. Just as the chess board gives us a clear vision of a battleground, societal structure of the then society is reflected in this pictorial card game.
1. Matsya Avatar
The Matsya avatar, Vishnu’s first incarnation as a fish, represents the moment divine wisdom was preserved during a great flood. The use of black pigmentation and aquatic motifs reflects the fluidity and adaptability associated with water.
2. Narasimha: The Roar of Divine Justice
One of the most dramatic avatars depicted is Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion incarnation who tears through injustice to protect the devoted. On the card, Narasimha is caught mid-roar, pinning the demon Hiranyakashipu with two hands and delivering divine retribution with the others. It is a visual sermon on the idea that righteousness, though patient, eventually rises with overwhelming force.
Echoes in Popular Culture: Fragments of a Forgotten Art
While the Dashavatar Tas has largely faded from mainstream culture, it has found a niche in contemporary art and design. Artisans have adapted the motifs onto various products, including lanterns, puja decorations, and even rakhis, bringing a modern twist to the traditional art form. As the set of 120 cards are very much expensive now, they have focused to produce bunch of 10 cards only, with the depictions of ten avatars of Vishnu.
These adaptations serve as a bridge between the past and present, ensuring that the legacy of the Dashavatar Tas continues to inspire new generations.
Current Status: A Tradition on the Brink of Extinction
King Bir Hambir have asked his army general Kartik Fouzdar to produce the Dashavatar Tas and from then this family continued to do so, passing this tradition from a generation to another.
But today, the Dashavatar Tas faces the threat of extinction. The intricate and labor-intensive process of creating these cards has led to a decline in their production. Shital Fouzdar, the last known master of this craft, continue to produce the cards with his family, but the younger generation of Bengal shows little interest in carrying forward the tradition. Yes, Dashavatar Tas is in Indian postal stamps, but the lack of commercial viability and recognition has further marginalized this art form.
The cards themselves are rare. Most surviving examples are housed in private collections or museums. Without formal recognition, financial support, or educational transmission, the Dashavatar Tas may soon vanish entirely, existing only in photographs and footnotes.
Conclusion: Circles Waiting to Be Completed
The Dashavatar Tas is more than just a game—it is a microcosm of Bishnupur as well as Bengal’s cultural identity, an artistic meditation on myth and morality. Within each painted circle lies a universe of devotion, craftsmanship, and ancestral memory.
To let this tradition fade would be to lose a vital strand of India’s artistic and spiritual history. Yet, revival is still possible. Preserving this art form requires collective efforts from the government, cultural organizations, and the community. By raising awareness, offering platforms for artisans, and incorporating the Dashavatar Tas into modern design, we can help ensure that this distinctive tradition flourishes for future generations.
REFERENCES:
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
1. “Dashavatar Rakhis of Bishnupur revive the ancient tradition of Bengal’s Dashavatar Taash- GetBengal Story” Get Bengal, August 16, 2024. https://www.getbengal.com/details/dashavatar-rakhis-of-bishnupur-revive-the-ancient-tradition-of-bengal-s-dashavatar-taash-getbengal-story
2. Mandal, Mouni, “Biluptir Pothe Banglar Oitijjho ‘Dashavatar Tas’, Khelechen Kokhono?”, Bongodorshon, July 6, 2021. https://www.bongodorshon.com/home/story_detail/bishnupur-dashabatar-tash-west-bengals
3. Nanda, Bishwendu, “Dashavatar Tas- Hajar Bochorer Parampara: Bishwendu Nanda” Page Four News.com, December 30, 2021. https://pagefournews.com/bishnupur-dasavatar-tash/
4. Nath, Urmi, “Mughal Amole Dash Avatar Elo Bankurar Gol Tase” Anandabazar Patrika, September 10, 2017. https://www.anandabazar.com/rabibashoriyo/meet-this-family-who-still-makes-dashavatar-cards-1.671907
5. Podder, Debashis, “Bishnupurer Shitaler Tulitei Benche Ache Dashavatar” Ei Samay, May 14, 2025. https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/bankura-purulia-jhargram-news/bishnupur-traditional-dashabatar-cards-are-still-making-shital-foujdaar/200373704.cms
WEB PAGE
1. Rangamaati. “Dashabatar Taas(Cards) of Bishnupur”, last modified September 30, 2021. https://rangamaati.com/dashabatar-taascards-of-bishnupur/