Manjusha Art

Sessions:  2
Hrs per Session:  2

Manjusha art, originating from the ancient Ang Pradesh region (now parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal), is a traditional folk painting style deeply rooted in the mythology of the Bihula-Bishari legend. Dating back to the 7th century, it was originally created by the Kumbhakar and Malakar communities on ritual boxes and pots used in the Bishari festival.

The art form is characterized by its vivid depiction of mythological characters, snakes, and plants using a limited but striking palette of pink, green, and yellow.

Traditionally, natural dyes and simple tools like bamboo pens were used, but modern artisans employ a wider color range and finer instruments on handmade paper or fabric.

Manjusha paintings hold significant religious and cultural value, often associated with protection, healing, and ritual practices.
Today, efforts by NGOs and government programs aim to preserve and revive this unique art by training rural women artisans and promoting community-based craft groups.