Subika paintings

In a bid to conserve Manipur’s cultural heritage, a professor recently undertook efforts to preserve the ancient Subika paintings.

About the Subika paintings:

• TheSubika paintings is an ancient paintings style used in the Puyas (archaic Manipuri manuscripts) linked to the Meitei communities. 
• It is evident in six surviving manuscripts of Meiteis: Subika, Subika Achouba, Subika Laishaba, Subika Choudit, Subika Cheithil, and Thengrakhel Subika.
• The Subika Laishaba showcases cultural motifs influenced by their worldviews and representing a direct continuation of Meitei’s traditional cultural life.
• Although the Cheitharol Kumbaba does not mention a specific founder, the art form may have originated with the introduction of the writing tradition in Manipur, dating back to the 18^th or 19^th century.

About the Meitei community:

• The Meitei community, is an indigenous community native to Manipur’s valley areas.
• They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), a Tibeto-Burman language.
• It is one of the 22 official languages of the Indian Republic and the sole official language of the Government of Manipur.
• The Khamba Thoibi Sheireng is its national epic.
• The Lai Haraoba is a festival that features dances, musical performances, and carnivals.

Other key facts:

• Raas leela and Nat Sankirtan are notable performing arts of the Manipuris.

Ref: Source