Who is Ratan Khatri? The Creator of Kalyan Matka

Ratan Khatri is a name that echoes throughout India’s underground gambling history. Often referred to as the “Matka King”. Khatri wasn’t just a player, he was the game-changer. 

For those unfamiliar with Kalyan Matka, his name might not ring a bell immediately, but in the world of betting, he's nothing short of a legend. This article takes a closer look at, who is Ratan Khatri, the mind behind a phenomenon that redefined numbers-based gambling in India.

Who is Ratan Khatri? The Origins of a Gambling Icon 

Source: The States Man

Ratan Khatri's journey began far from the glitz and chaos of Mumbai’s betting hubs. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, into a Sindhi family, his life took a sharp turn during the partition of 1947. 

Like many others, he migrated to India in search of a better future. What followed was a story of bold moves and relentless ambition.

In the early 1960s, Ratan entered the gambling scene, initially working under Kalyanji Bhagat, the man behind the popular Worli Matka. 

While Bhagat introduced a system, Khatri took it several levels further. He branched out and created his own empire: Ratan Matka, a name that would later become synonymous with illegal betting across India.

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How Kalyan Matka Became a National Craze

Kalyan Matka wasn't always the card-drawing, number-guessing format people know today. Originally, the system revolved around betting on the opening and closing cotton rates from the New York Cotton Exchange. 

But when those rates became unavailable in the 1960s, Khatri transformed the game. Here’s the Ratan Khatri's innovations:

1. Introduced Random Number Draws: Instead of relying on external market rates, Khatri devised ways to generate random numbers using slips in an earthen pot (the “matka”).

2. Playing Cards for Number Draws: Khatri added more flair by using playing cards to determine results, making the game feel more accessible and fair.

3. Established Nationwide Network: From local workers to high-profile celebrities, his matka operations pulled in people from all walks of life.

Khatri’s version of Kalyan Matka soon exploded in popularity. It wasn’t just limited to Mumbai, it stretched across India, and even attracted international attention.

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Ratan Khatri's Legal Troubles

No empire goes unchallenged, and Ratan Khatri’s run wasn’t without its roadblocks. During the Emergency declared in India (1975–77), he was arrested and spent around 19 months in jail. 

Despite this, his influence remained strong, and he continued to run his operations until he eventually retired in the early 1990s.

Khatri passed away in 2020, but his name is still remembered with awe and curiosity, especially among those familiar with the world of Kalyan Matka.

Ratan Khatri wasn’t just a gambler, he was a pioneer who built an underground industry that thrived for decades. His life story is not just about bets and numbers but about how innovation and resilience can make one man unforgettable, even in a world ruled by luck.

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Conclusion

So, who is Ratan Khatri? He’s the man who turned a niche cotton-rate betting system into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. 

His influence on the Kalyan Matka scene remains unmatched, and his legacy continues to inspire stories, documentaries, and even Bollywood plotlines. 

For better or worse, the Matka King shaped a large part of India’s gambling history, and that makes him a figure worth knowing.

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FAQ

What is Kalyan Matka?

Kalyan Matka is a form of lottery-style gambling that originated in India. It began with betting on cotton prices but evolved into a numbers game involving random draws.

Was Ratan Khatri the founder of Kalyan Matka?

No, Kalyanji Bhagat initially started it, but Ratan Khatri revolutionized the game and turned it into a national phenomenon.

Is Matka gambling legal in India?

No, Matka is considered illegal in most parts of India. However, it still continues underground in many regions.

How did Ratan Khatri draw the numbers?

He used slips from an earthen pot and later switched to playing cards to generate random results.

When did Ratan Khatri die?

Ratan Khatri passed away in 2020, marking the end of an era in India’s gambling scene.