Assamese manuscript artist and researcher Sujit Das has been awarded the prestigious Senior Fellowship (2025–26) by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) under the Ministry of Culture for his work on Puthi Chitra (manuscript painting).

Who is Sujit Das?

• Sujit Das is a noted manuscript artist, researcher and founder of Art Village, Nagaon.
• He has been recognised for his efforts in: research and documentation, preservation of traditional art, training young artists, promotion of Assamese cultural heritage globally.
• Earlier, he had also received the CCRT Junior Fellowship (2014–15) for the same subject.
• He has exhibited Assam’s puthi chitra across 35 countries. 

What is Puthi Chitra?

• Puthi Chitra refers to the traditional manuscript painting art of Assam.
• It is associated with illustrated manuscripts known as Puthis, which contain religious, literary and historical texts.
• The art flourished under the influence of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement initiated by Srimanta Sankardeva.
• Manuscripts were traditionally prepared on:
  • Handmade paper (Sanchi Pat).
  • Bark and natural materials.
• Paintings used natural pigments and depicted scenes from epics, religious narratives and cultural traditions.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Puthi Chitra, recently seen in news, is associated with which traditional art form of Assam?
Answer: Manuscript Painting.

One-Line Wrap

The recognition of Sujit Das with the CCRT Senior Fellowship highlights the importance of preserving Assam’s unique manuscript painting tradition and promoting India’s intangible cultural heritage globally.