Subika Painting

• Cultural Significance: An ancient painting style deeply rooted in the Meitei community's cultural history of Manipur.
• Historical Context:
  • Associated with Puyas (archaic Manipuri manuscripts).
  • Evidence suggests its origins in the 18th or 19th century.
  • Likely existed since the introduction of writing in Manipur.
     

Manuscripts

• Six surviving manuscripts:
  • Subika
  • Subika Achouba
  • Subika Laishaba
  • Subika Choudit
  • Subika Cheithil
  • Thengrakhel Subika

Subika Laishaba

• Visual Language: Illustrations emphasize lines, shapes, colors, and patterns, creating motifs and conveying cultural meanings.
• Medium: Painted on handmade paper or tree bark, using indigenous materials.
• Cultural Continuity: Reflects authentic Meitei traditions through visual storytelling.
   

Current Status

• Challenges:
  • Awareness of Subika art is waning, pushing it toward near extinction.
  • Manipur, despite its prominence in Raas Leela and Nat Sangkritan, lags in visual arts preservation.
• Efforts: Active steps are being taken to safeguard this ancient art form.