Guwahati, 3rd March: Majuli, famed for its mask-making and manuscript painting heritage, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India. This accolade follows rigorous evaluation processes, underscoring the significance of Majuli’s cultural legacy.
Mask-making, known as Mukha Shilpa, holds deep cultural roots in Majuli. Originating in medieval times, this craft was championed by Saint Sankardeva during the Neo-Vaisnavism movement, utilizing various art forms, including mask-making, to disseminate his teachings.
These masks, portraying diverse images and emotions, serve as embodiments of the region’s distinctive socio-religious ethos, showcasing the adaptability of local materials.
Manuscript paintings, another revered art form in Majuli, narrate stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana, with a focus on Lord Krishna’s tales.
These paintings, rendered in Gargayan script, Kaithall, and Bamunia styles, enrich Majuli’s artistic heritage, encapsulating its cultural essence.
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