Ganjifa Raghupati Bhatta is yet another prominent luminary in the galaxy of Mysorean artists. They say 'small is beautiful'. Also goes the kannada saying 'Moorti Chikkadaadare Keerti Doddaddu' which reinforces that. Raghupati Bhatta's forte, the Ganjifa art, which primarily deals with miniature card paintings, does give you an impression that it goes well with this saying. The man is so very popular with the art, that he literally became synonymous with it, so much so that 'Ganjifa' became an extension of his name, an inseparable part of his initials.

By and large most of Raghupati Bhatta's works comprise of mythological content. Its almost like mythology translated on little cards, speaking the visual language that is so very peculiar with Bhatta. He has composed miniature card paintings drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Vedas, Upanishads, Basavanna's Vachanas, and so on.

Raghupati Bhatta works on little cards, sometimes as small as two inches or even one. That he can paint hundreds of figures within this tiny canvas, speaks volumes about the ability of the man. Another uncharacteristic feature of Raghupati Bhatta's passion is that he prepares his own colours, brushes, gums, warnishes, and related accessories.

His works, which are truly one of a kind, got the global attention they deserved when they were on display as part of an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. They continue to be a part of the museum's permanent collection. Besides, Raghupati Bhatta's works were exhibited in Japan, Tunisia, USA, and the Netherlands as well.

Contact

Raghupathi Bhatta
Ph : 9844200900