Indian matchboxes are small, economical containers widely used across India to hold matches for everyday purposes such as lighting stoves, lamps, and cigarettes. Priced typically at one rupee, they are ubiquitous and often found discarded near roadside stalls and shops, reflecting their disposable nature. These matchboxes are notable for their vibrant and diverse graphic designs, which include Hindu symbols, historical figures, Bollywood actors, animals, and everyday objects. This eclectic imagery captures the heterogeneous visual culture of India, blending tradition, modernity, religion, and popular culture in a unique way.
