Artisans of Bishnupur

Dashavatar Tash

The Dashavatar Taash of Bishnupur is a traditional card game based on the ten avatars (Dashavatar) of Lord Vishnu from Hindu mythology. This unique card set, originally from Bishnupur in West Bengal, holds both artistic and religious significance. The game was popular in Bengal and neighboring regions, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Dashavatar Theme: The cards represent the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, namely:

• Matsya (Fish)
• Kurma (Turtle)
• Varaha (Boar)
• Narasimha (Half-man, half-lion)
• Vamana (Dwarf)
• Parashurama (The warrior with the axe)
• Rama (The king of Ayodhya)
• Krishna (The charioteer and god)
• Buddha (The enlightened one)
• Kalki (The future avatar yet to come)