The Indian Rummy is one of the most popular types of Rummy. But did you know it is another remnant of the Mughal dynasty and contribution to the rich cultural blend of the Indian subcontinent?
The Mughals were a tribe of people closely related to the Iranians who migrated from central to South Asia and established an empire that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent for nearly 350 years, beginning in the early 16th century and ending in the mid-19th century.
Multiple factors brought about the decline and eventual end of Mughal rule, mainly the emergence of competing dynasties and empires and the arrival of the British colonialists on the subcontinent in the early 17th century.
The Mughal Influence
Even though the Mughal rule was relatively short, considering how long the land they ruled had been previously occupied, it left a lasting impact. Close to two centuries after the end of their rule, their influence is still visible, and it can be felt in the countries in the region, particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
For example, the Mughals left behind magnificent architecture, perhaps the most acknowledged of their impact. The globally recognized Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the early 17th century in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is one of the most notable.
They also left cultural and religious influences. They even left behind a widely spoken language today on the Indian subcontinent: Urdu.
But did you know that the Mughals significantly contributed to the adoption, popularity, and rummy history?
Indian Rummy and the Mughal Paradox
This might seem far-fetched, especially considering that some of the dynasty’s rulers were extremely pious and considered any form of entertainment, including music and games, unacceptable.
Nevertheless, they not only contributed to the adoption of a more ancient type of rummy card game but are also often credited with creating and spreading one of the most popular types of rummy in the world.
This version is aptly called Indian Rummy. Many sources indicate that it originated in the courts of the Mughal rulers. The rulers, their families, and servants often played it and later shared it with the rest of the population.
It is unclear when and by which individual exactly the game was invented. Its precursor was a court game known as Ganjifa, whose origin, like that of the Mughal rulers, was Persian.
The Ganjifa cards, which came in a pack of 96, were round in shape, often made of highly valued materials such as ivory and tortoiseshell, and decorated with royal art. This made them symbols of status in the Mughal Empire. Meanwhile, those used by the general public were made of palm leaves, papier mache, or cloth.
The Fusion of Western and Asian Styles
With the arrival of the British, Western playing cards became preferred to the Ganjifa cards because the new arrivals were simpler, could easily be mass-produced, and could be used to play many games.
The fusion of the Ganjifa playing style and new Western methods contributed to what we know today as Indian Rummy. Over time, the game has gained widespread popularity on the Indian subcontinent and other parts of the world, especially where people from South Asia have migrated.
Indian rummy is similar to standard rummy in most aspects except for a few critical differences, such as each player having to be dealt 13 cards at the beginning of a game. Up to six players can play the game, and two decks of 52 cards each are used when six players are involved.
Like the other types of Rummy, the Indian Rummy is now accessible online and can be played virtually. For more background stories about Rummy, visit 7bet.
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