Assam’s Traditional Manuscript Painting Takes Centre Stage in Delhi

NAGAON: Assam’s traditional manuscript painting was recently showcased at a special demonstration-cum-exhibition held at The Kunj in New Delhi from December 24 to December 30. The event was organised by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to promote and preserve indigenous art forms.

Renowned artist Sujit Das represented Assam as the invited participant, offering audiences a glimpse into the state’s rich artistic and cultural legacy. Throughout the exhibition, Das demonstrated age-old Assamese manuscript painting techniques, working with natural pigments such as hengul and haital on sanchi pat, a traditional handmade paper derived from the bark of the sanchi tree.

The artist also displayed Satriya-style paintings, reflecting the distinctive visual traditions of Assam. The exhibition attracted visitors from different parts of India as well as overseas, many of whom purchased the artworks and praised the initiative. Attendees also commended the Government of India’s efforts to revive and promote this rare and nearly forgotten art form.