Knave (Hyder Ali from Mysore), from "Court Game of Geography" 1838 - 1855

This playing card, depicting Hyder Ali of Mysore, was created by William and Henry Rock as part of a "Court Game of Geography." Made in 19th-century Britain, this card game reflects the country's extensive colonial ambitions in India. Hyder Ali, who ruled Mysore until his death in 1782, was a formidable opponent of the British East India Company. The game frames global geography, and by extension its people, as something to be won or lost. The image itself, a romanticized and exoticized portrait of Ali, shows his dress and weapons. This demonstrates a fascination with the cultures and people the British sought to dominate. Understanding this image requires considering British colonial history and the role of popular culture in shaping public perceptions of foreign lands. Images like these normalized imperialist ideologies. To further understand these dynamics, we can investigate the archives of the East India Company and also analyze other forms of visual representation.