Sanchipat manuscript painting (Puthi Chitra) from Assam has been selected for the 65th National Art Exhibition organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi.

• Marks the first-ever inclusion of this indigenous art in the exhibition’s history.

About Sanchipat Manuscript Painting

• Sanchipat: Traditional manuscript material made from the bark of the Sanchi tree (Aquilaria agallocha).
• The bark was cured, smoked, seasoned, and polished to create a durable writing surface.
• The ink, known as Mahi, was prepared using natural ingredients such as silikha (Terminalia citrina), bull’s urine, amlaka, and soot.
• Paintings are known as Puthi Chitra, illustrating religious texts.

Historical Roots of Manuscript Painting:

• References found in Harsha Charita (7th century CE).
• Earliest surviving illustrated manuscript: Phung Chin manuscript (1473 CE).
• Influences from South-East Asian (Burmese) styles during the Ahom period.

Key Features of Manuscript Painting

• • Use of organic colours derived from plants and minerals.
  • Strong link with Neo-Vaishnavite culture of Assam.
  • Manuscripts made on:
    • Sanchipat (bark-based sheets)
    • Tulapat (cotton-pressed sheets)
  • Themes include Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna Leelas.
  • Uses natural pigments, fine brushes, and intricate line work.
  • Natural pigments included:
    • Hengul (red, mercury sulphide)
    • Haital (yellow, arsenic sulphide)
    • Indigo (blue)
    • Khorimati (white clay)
    • Soot or ash (black)
  • Brushes were made from animal fur, and artists demonstrated extraordinary control and precision.
  • The artists responsible for these paintings were called Khanikars. 
    • They were often clerics associated with Satras and were trained in multiple art forms, including wood carving and theatrical makeup for Bhaonas.
    • Due to religious humility, many Khanikars did not sign their works. Their devotion to spiritual service was considered more important than personal recognition.

• Major Schools and Styles:

• • Sattriya School (Vaishnavite)
  • Ahom Royal School (Rajghariya)
  • Darrang School
  • Tai-Ahom School

Recent Development

• Artist Sujit Das (Nagaon) created the selected artwork using traditional techniques.
• Recognition highlights Assam’s cultural heritage at a national level.

About Lalit Kala Akademi

• Operates under the Ministry of Culture.
• Spearheads promotion of visual arts in India.
• Organises National Art Exhibition annually.

Exam Hook

Prelims Question:
Which of the following materials is traditionally used for Sanchipat manuscripts in Assam?
(a) Palm leaves
(b) Bark of Aquilaria agallocha
(c) Birch bark
(d) Cotton pulp

Answer: (b)

One-line wrap: Sanchipat manuscript painting reflects Assam’s rich literary-artistic heritage and its growing recognition in India’s cultural mainstream.

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