REVIVING MANJUSHA: INTEGRATING BIHAR'S SEQUENTIAL FOLK ART INTO CONTEMPORARY ART EDUCATION AND PRACTICE

Abstract [English]

This paper examines the revival of Manjusha Art, a traditional narrative folk art from the Anga region of Bihar, through its integration into contemporary art education. Known as one of India’s only sequential storytelling art forms, Manjusha combines ritual, mythology, and visual symbolism rooted in the legend of Bihula and Bishahari. Despite its historical and cultural richness, the art form has faced significant decline due to limited institutional support, aesthetic bias, and the marginalization of Angika culture. Unlike Madhubani, which gained international recognition, Manjusha remained confined to ritual spaces and economically vulnerable artisan communities. The paper argues that formal art institutions—particularly colleges and universities—have a critical role to play in reviving Manjusha through curriculum development, community collaborations, field internships, and research initiatives. It also explores recent innovations that have expanded the reach of Manjusha into fashion, digital media, and e-commerce platforms, signaling its adaptability and contemporary relevance. By embedding Manjusha into pedagogical, scholarly, and market frameworks, educational institutions can help preserve this endangered tradition while fostering creative reinterpretation. Ultimately, the revival of Manjusha art is presented not just as a cultural necessity but as a unique opportunity to engage with heritage in meaningful, inclusive, and future-facing ways.