Manjusha Art of bihar

Manjusha art is a form of folk art that originated in the Bhagalpur region of Bihar, India. The term “manjusha” is derived from the word “box,” and the art form is characterized by the use of brightly colored, rectangular or cylindrical boxes as a canvas for intricate paintings.

Traditionally, manjusha art was used as a visual narrative to tell the story of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. However, over time, the subject matter has expanded to include themes such as social and political issues, daily life, and cultural traditions.

Process: It begins with the selection of a box that will serve as the canvas for the painting. The box is cleaned and given a base coat of color, usually with a bright red or yellow color.

Next, the artist sketches the design onto the box, using a pencil or charcoal. The design is typically a narrative scene that tells a story, often from the Ramayana or other traditional folklore.

Once the design is sketched, the artist begins to paint using natural pigments made from soil, plants, and minerals. The pigments are mixed with a binding agent, usually gum arabic or lime, and applied using a fine brush. The artist carefully builds up the colors and details, layer by layer, until the painting is complete.