Library's Exhibit Features Unusual Hindustani Cards

Students whose card tastes run only as far as Seven Card Stud, or even the more elite Contract flends may be interested to learn that the University owns a pack of Hindustani cards invented by a queen to prevent her husband from pulling out the hairs in his beard.

The deck, part of a collection of 175-odd packs buried in the bowels of Houghton Library, was donated to the university in 1925 by James E. Whitney '89, whose gift was combined with a similar one presented by Albert Thorndike '31 in 1936.

French "Education"

composed of 96 round cards divided into eight suits, the Hindustani pack is called "Gunja-Kha," which means "relieving scalp." The suits bear such names as Ghulam, or slave, end Burart, or royal diploma, and the king, by keeping his hands busy playing cards, was unable to scratch his head or beard, keeping baldness at a minimum.

A set of 18th century French "educational" cards portrays scenes from distant lands. The American Indian appears as a skin-clad savage, with a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. A portrait of a crocodile provide local color by depicting American Wildlife.