Bharata Tarot - Major Arcana

The Bharata Major Arcana Tarot Deck, created by Sunish Chabba in collaboration with Indian illustrator Ishan Trivedi, is a 26-card set that draws inspiration from traditional Indian folk art forms, including Kishangarh and miniature paintings. This deck focuses exclusively on the 22 Major Arcana, with an additional four extra cards, which might be Page cards or Jokers and a double backer, as indicated in previous project details. The project was relaunched as a standalone deck after feedback from an earlier iteration, with a low funding goal due to the creator bearing major production and shipping expenses.

Produced by Guru Playing Card Company (GPCC), the deck emphasizes high-quality materials and finishes. Cards are poker-sized (63 x 88 mm) and printed on German Casino Grade Card Stock with an "Ornate" finish. The tuckbox is designed to be super sturdy and elegant, featuring both embossing and silver foil on the exterior and interior. A standout feature is the gold gilded edges with an antique look, which are included as a default rather than a stretch goal or higher reward tier. The project successfully funded in 2017, with worldwide free shipping offered on most tiers.

GPCC aims to promote traditional art forms in a contemporary manner, and the Bharata Tarot reflects this mission by blending classic Indian artistic heritage with the structure of a tarot deck. The creator, Sunish Chabba, an IT Consultant and member of 52 Plus Joker, the American Playing Card collectors club, has a history of producing high-quality playing card decks, including "Divine Art Playing Cards - Limited Edition" and "Bharata Playing Cards."

The artwork for the Bharata Major Arcana Tarot is described as fully custom illustrated, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian folk art forms, Kishangarh paintings, and miniature paintings. This suggests a rich, detailed, and potentially colorful aesthetic, characteristic of these historical Indian art styles. The collaboration with Indian illustrator Ishan Trivedi indicates an authentic interpretation of these artistic traditions. Given the "Ornate" finish and gold gilded edges, the visual style likely incorporates intricate patterns and decorative elements, aiming for a luxurious and culturally resonant presentation.

This deck is ideal for collectors of unique and culturally specific tarot decks, particularly those interested in Indian art forms and traditional aesthetics. It appeals to readers who prefer Major Arcana-only decks for focused readings or who appreciate high-quality production values like gold gilding and embossed tuckboxes. Given its poker size and casino-grade stock, it may also attract playing card enthusiasts who appreciate art decks.

Sunish Chabba, an IT Consultant and member of 52 Plus Joker, the American Playing Card collectors club, founded Guru Playing Card Company (GPCC) in February 2016, stemming from a Design Thinking course. GPCC's mission is to spread awareness of beautiful traditional art forms by integrating them into contemporary playing card decks. The Bharata Major Arcana Tarot is a collaboration with Indian illustrator Ishan Trivedi and a relaunch of a previous project, refined based on community feedback. Chabba is committed to high-quality production, partnering with top vendors for printing, art gilding, and fulfillment.