Manjusha Art: The Serpent Paintings of Anga

Manjusha art is a traditional Indian art form originating from the Anga region, which corresponds to the modern-day Bhagalpur district in Bihar. This art form is unique in that it is a line-based drawing, and the entire story is narrated through a series of sequential panels. The language of this region, Angika, carries many of these folk tales. The area is also known for the ancient Vikramshila University Ruins.,The art is characterized by the use of only three colors: pink, yellow, and green, on a black background. The primary motifs are snakes, which represent the central characters of the folk tales of Bihula-Bishari. These tales of love, sacrifice, and devotion are intricately woven into each painting.,Traditionally painted on pots and boxes (Manjushas) for the Bihula-Bishari Puja festival, this art form has now found its way onto canvas, silk, and paper, gaining appreciation from art lovers worldwide. It is a living tradition that carries the stories and beliefs of a bygone era.

Keywords: manjusha art, bhagalpur, bihar folk art, anga region, bihula bishari, silk city