Manjusha art work is a folk-art form. This form of art has long been popular in Bhagalpur. Between the years 1931 and 1948, Manjusha art came into popularity. Manjusha art is a well-known art form. The excellent news for Manjusha painting fans would be that this painting will now be displayed on clothing as well. From shirts to sarees, there would be fresh and unique designs, which would undoubtedly fascinate people.

Ancient Art:

Two families connected to the Malakar and Kumbhakar groups carved this artwork in the past. Kumbhakar used to draw these drawings on pots that were adorned. The Malakars created the true (Manjusha) and created Manjusha artwork on these structures. This artwork type’s title also has a fascinating backstory. Manjusha is a Sanskrit word that means (box.) The believers maintained their ritual items in these boxes made of bamboo, paper, and Jute-Straw. Paintings which tell a story were used to decorate the boxes.

Colors of Manjusha Art:

Manjusha’s paintings are usually composed of three colors, green, yellow, and pink. Pink represents care, relationship, and success; green represents environment and wellness, with dark green being linked with financial businesses; and yellow represents happiness, youth, fun, good emotions, courage, and positivity. The art border is similarly important in terms of colors. One or even more borders must be present in every Manjusha artwork.

Process of Making:

Whenever a painting is done for religious purposes, the painter sets a pile of rice in the chamber, tops it with a betel nut and betel leaves, and worships the gods for authorization to begin the painting. They regard a leaf shifting or falling as a sign that they may have received approval and can begin their work. The painting begins with a pattern, which is subsequently filled in with colors. Although the outline is generally painted in green, some painters now utilize black. Several tools were generally used in traditional paintings since it was considered that little errors enhanced the artist’s aesthetic.

Motifs:

The figures in Manjusha’s paintings are now all drawn differently. Human shapes are shaped like the letter ‘X’ and have extended limbs. The primary characters are depicted as having large eyes and no ears. Bishaharis are depicted in the very same way, except for what they carry in their hands. 

Religious Artwork:

Every year on 17 August and 18 August, the Bisahari festival is held. There seem to be two items that are prepared during this ceremony. The (Kalash) is one, and the (Manjusha) is the another. The Kumbhakar make the Kalash, whereas the Malakars make the Manjusha. Each one is adorned with Manjusha’s paintings depicting these themes. They worship Bisahari because they believe she will provide them with power and safety. She assures them that their spouses will be safe from any snakes. They worship Bihula to acquire her power and benefits, as well as to pray for their spouses’ long lives.

Also, there is a custom in which the groom is expected to enter a little house where there is a painting of Bisahari in each of the 4 corners before being married. The groom must apply sindhoor to all 4 Bisahari before taking his bride to the mandap, where the rest of the wedding ceremonies and rituals can begin. It is performed with the idea that by putting sindhoor for bisahari initially. “Nainajogini” is the title for these figures.

Revival of Artwork:

Art and culture are intimately connected. Without the other, neither can thrive and will eventually perish. It is difficult to comprehend a civilization without considering its artistic forms. From cave people drawing with stones to modern painters creating sand art, sketching his environment has always been a crucial activity for humans. Ancient information and customs are also passed down through these artworks. Paintings and crafts have passed down culture through generations, and it is thanks to them that people know so much about global history. They’ve also given voice to several stories and provided a source of folklore.

Conclusion:

It is an important historical and old form of art, comparable to Madhubani artwork. Foreigners frequently refer to Manjusha artwork as a painting of snakes because the snakes in the art portray the major figure in Bihula’s story of love and sacrifices. Recent research on Manjusha artwork shows how this art represents the old Anga Mahajanapada background.

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