An exhibition titled “The Revival of the Forgotten Art of Manipur” in Washington, D.C. has brought global attention to the endangered Subika Art tradition of Manipur.

What is Subika Art?

• Subika Art is a rare manuscript painting tradition of the Meitei civilization of Manipur.
• It is considered one of the oldest indigenous visual knowledge traditions of Northeast India.
• Traditionally, the paintings were created on:
  • Handmade paper.
  • Agarwood bark manuscripts known as Puya or Korbek.

Key Features of Subika Art

• The manuscripts are written in the Old Meitei script, an indigenous script of the Meitei language belonging to the Tibeto-Burman language family.
• Subika paintings mainly depict themes related to Astronomy, Cosmology, Divination, Mythological stories, Indigenous rituals and spiritual beliefs.
• Only six major Subika manuscripts are known to have survived, including:
  • Subika.
  • Subika Achouba.
  • Subika Laishaba.
  • Subika Choudit.
  • Subika Cheithil.
  • Thengrakhel Subika.

Cultural Importance

• Subika Art represents:
  • The intellectual heritage of the Meitei civilization.
  • Indigenous manuscript traditions of Northeast India.
  • The fusion of art, spirituality, and knowledge transmission.
• Its revival supports:
  • Preservation of endangered cultural traditions.
  • Promotion of Northeast India’s heritage globally.
  • Protection of India’s cultural diversity.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

1. Subika Art, recently seen in the news, is associated with which State of India?
   (a) Assam
   (b) Nagaland
   (c) Manipur
   (d) Tripura

Answer: (c)

One-Line Wrap

Subika Art reflects the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of Manipur and highlights the importance of preserving endangered indigenous traditions of Northeast India.

Manipur’s Subika Art shines at Washington, D.C. exhibition https://share.google/rt4WaMG4fA0q0MZ5S