Manuscript Painting of Majuli, Assam

Majuli is a river island located in the Indian state of Assam, and it is known for its unique culture, including traditional manuscript paintings. The manuscript paintings of Majuli are a form of religious art and are closely linked to the island’s Vaishnavite culture, which is centered around the worship of Lord Krishna.

The manuscripts are painted on handmade paper, which is treated with a mixture of cow dung and earth to create a smooth surface. The paintings are usually done in black and white, although some may have small areas of color. The themes of the paintings are usually religious, and they often depict scenes from the life of Lord Krishna or other Hindu gods and goddesses.

The paintings are done using a bamboo pen and a mixture of soot and water, which is applied to the paper in thin, delicate lines. The artists who create these paintings are known as sattriya artists, and they are members of the Vaishnavite monasteries on Majuli.