Subika Painting
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Cultural Significance: An ancient painting style deeply rooted in the Meitei community's cultural history of Manipur.
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Historical Context:
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Associated with Puyas (archaic Manipuri manuscripts).
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Evidence suggests its origins in the 18th or 19th century.
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Likely existed since the introduction of writing in Manipur.
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Manuscripts
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Six surviving manuscripts:
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Subika
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Subika Achouba
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Subika Laishaba
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Subika Choudit
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Subika Cheithil
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Theng rakhel Subika
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Subika Laishaba
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Visual Language: Illustrations emphasize lines, shapes, colors, and patterns, creating motifs and conveying cultural meanings.
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Medium: Painted on handmade paper or tree bark, using indigenous materials.
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Cultural Continuity: Reflects authentic Meitei traditions through visual storytelling.
Current Status
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Challenges:
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Awareness of Subika art is waning, pushing it toward near extinction.
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Manipur, despite its prominence in Raas Leela and Nat Sangkritan, lags in visual arts preservation.
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Efforts: Active steps are being taken to safeguard this ancient art form.