The Vanishing Art of Manjhi Santal Tribal Painting

Manjhi Santal painting is a lesser-known but highly distinctive tribal art form from Bihar. Practiced by the Santal community, this art is known for its striking minimalism and unique representation of human figures. It is a unique style compared to the more famous Madhubani Painting.,The paintings depict scenes from the daily life of the Santal people – farming, dancing, hunting, and performing rituals. The most characteristic feature is the portrayal of human figures in a simple, linear, stick-figure-like style. The bodies are often shown as inverted triangles, with thin lines for limbs. Despite their simplicity, these figures are incredibly dynamic and expressive.,Traditionally painted on the walls of huts, this art form is now also being done on paper and cloth to reach a wider audience. However, it remains a rare and endangered art form. The Manjhi Santal paintings offer a fascinating and authentic window into the worldview and cultural life of one of Bihar's oldest tribal communities, much like Godna Painting does for other communities.

Keywords: manjhi santal painting, santal tribe, tribal art bihar, folk painting, minimalist art