Manjusha Art
Manjusha art is an ancient traditional folk art originating from Anga Pradesh (also spelled Ang Pradesh), the historical region now centered around Bhagalpur in Bihar, India. The word “Manjusha” means “box” or “casket” in Sanskrit, and the art involves intricate paintings on temple-shaped boxes made from materials such as bamboo, jute, paper, sola (pith), or sanai wood. These boxes traditionally feature eight pillars and are often used in ceremonial contexts.
This art form dates back to at least the 7th century, with some scholars linking its motifs to ancient civilizations. It is primarily practiced by families from the Malakar (garland makers) and Kumbhakar (potters) castes, who have kept the tradition alive for centuries. Manjusha is unique as India’s only sequential folk art, presenting stories in a series of panels like a comic strip or storyboard.
The central theme is the mythological tale of Bihula-Bishahari (or Vishahari), revolving around the snake goddess Manasa (also known as Bishahari). Common motifs include swirling serpents, gods, goddesses, epic narratives from Hindu mythology, and folklore related to devotion, protection from snake bites, and the Bishahari Puja festival. Traditionally, natural colors were used, though modern adaptations sometimes incorporate enamel paints.
History
Discovery and Early Recognition (1931–1948) Manjusha art came to wider attention between 1931 and 1948 during British rule. An Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer, W.G. Archer, along with his wife, visited Bhagalpur and was captivated by the paintings on ceremonial boxes used in Bishahari Puja rituals. Deeply in love with the art form, Archer collected numerous pieces and organized an exhibition at the India Office Library in London. This event brought international recognition to Manjusha art, and the collection became part of the famous Archer Collection. However, under colonial rule, the artisans faced challenges in flourishing, and after this brief “golden period,” the art gradually faded into obscurity, surviving only among a handful of families.
Revival in the 1980s In 1984, the Bihar government launched the “Jansampoorna Vibhag” initiative. Teams visited villages in Bhagalpur, conducting slideshows and awareness programs to educate people about this traditional art and encourage its revival. This effort spotlighted key figures such as Jyotish Chandra Sharma, who authored several books documenting the art, and Smt. Chakravarty Devi, a revered traditional artisan from one of the original families. She dedicated her life to preserving and teaching the craft.
Major Revival in 2006 In 2006, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) partnered with the voluntary organization Disha Gramin Vikas Manch to launch a 3-year Manjusha Art Development Programme across all 16 blocks of Bhagalpur. The program included awareness campaigns and training for more than 2,000 rural women. From these trainees, 250 artisans from Naugachhia and Shahkund blocks were selected. This led to the creation of 50 activity-based groups that began producing Manjusha crafts on a larger scale. Artisans diversified the art into modern products such as flower stands, pen stands, jute folders, ornaments, and various daily utility items, making it more commercially viable.
2012 Milestone and Government Support In June 2012, Disha organized a major Manjusha Craft Exhibition in Naugachhia. The event was visited by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Principal Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, who were impressed and directed officials to include the art in government projects. This became a turning point. The Bihar Department of Art and Culture and Department of Industries subsequently launched multiple programs to promote and support the craft.
Prominent Contemporary Artist: Dr. Ulupi Kumari (also known as Ulupi Jha)
Dr. Ulupi Kumari (often referred to as Ulupi Jha) is one of the most prominent and influential contemporary exponents of Manjusha art from Bhagalpur. A state awardee for excellence in Manjusha painting, she has been instrumental in promoting and reviving the art form. She has beautifully depicted the complete Bihula-Vishahari folklore in sequential panels, capturing key scenes such as Lord Shiva bathing in Sonadah, Chand Saudagar, the sacred Kalash pot, swirling snakes, Bihula, Vishahari, Lakhindar, Netula Dhobi, the heavenly realm, and the Ganges river.
Her works have been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including displays at the Bihar Museum, and one of her pieces even caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the museum in 2017. In 2016, she was honored as one of the 100 successful women in India by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, through online voting, recognizing her contributions to preserving and innovating in Manjusha art. As the founder of the Manjusha Art Research Foundation, she has trained over 1,000 rural women, formed artisan groups, and linked them to government-supported clusters, empowering many to sustain livelihoods through this traditional craft.
Additional Key Facts
- In 2021, Manjusha Art received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognizing it as a unique product of Bhagalpur and providing legal protection for its origin and style.
- The art is closely tied to the Vishahari Puja festival, where the painted boxes are used ceremonially to honor the snake goddess.
- Today, Manjusha has evolved beyond traditional boxes to include paintings on tussar silk, textiles, canvas, and other surfaces while preserving its mythological essence and empowering rural women artisans.
Thanks to these revival efforts and dedicated artists like Dr. Ulupi Kumari, Manjusha art has transformed from a fading tradition into a vibrant symbol of Bihar’s cultural heritage, blending ancient folklore with modern livelihoods.
Now
In recent years, Manjusha art has experienced a strong resurgence, transitioning from a near-forgotten ritual craft to a vibrant, commercially viable folk art form supported by sustained government initiatives, institutional backing, and growing market presence. The Bihar government has played a pivotal role in this revival, launching numerous skill upgradation trainings in Bhagalpur and surrounding villages. These programs focus on technique refinement, product diversification, and artisan empowerment, while awareness campaigns have helped educate communities about the art’s cultural and economic value.
Since 2014, the government has introduced a State Award competition specifically for Manjusha art, administered through the Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusandhan Sansthan (UMSAS) in Patna. This prestigious institution, named after the renowned artist Upendra Maharathi, has emerged as a key player in the revival. UMSAS provides training, artisan identity cards, financial linkages, and promotional support. It oversees clusters under the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, and has been instrumental in organizing exhibitions, documentation, and awards—such as the Bihar State Award given to artists like Ulupi Jha for excellence in revival efforts.
The government continues to invest heavily in promotion through schemes like handicrafts development programs, exhibitions, and integration into broader cultural initiatives. Recent efforts include forming an 11-member committee (including 4 artisans) to pursue formal patent protection (or enhanced legal safeguards) for Manjusha as a distinctive Bhagalpur folk art, building on its existing Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded in September 2021. This GI recognition safeguards its authenticity, restricts misuse, and boosts market credibility.
Contemporary Manjusha has expanded beyond traditional boxes to include wall hangings, textiles (such as tussar silk paintings), canvas works, decorative items, and utility products. In February 2025, Manjusha artworks on tussar silk—depicting local themes like temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and regional landmarks—were prepared for presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bihar, highlighting high-level governmental appreciation.
Artisans and organizations like the Manjusha Art Research Foundation have linked rural women producers to global e-commerce platforms. Today, authentic Manjusha crafts are widely available online on sites such as Etsy.com, Amazon, Flipkart, SastaHatiya.com, and others, enabling direct sales, better livelihoods, and international exposure.
With ongoing training, institutional support from UMSAS, GI protection, high-profile endorsements, and digital market access, Manjusha art thrives as a symbol of Bihar’s living heritage—empowering communities, preserving ancient folklore, and adapting creatively to modern demands.