Historical development of manuscript painting in AssamĪccording to Choudhury (n.d), the art of painting flourished in Assam from the 16th century onwards. It provides insights into the development and changes that are taking places among a few existing artists of manuscript painting in Assam. The second section throws light on the current status of manuscript painting in Assam. It provides information about different styles of painting, artists involved, materials utilized, various influences and decline of this form of painting. The first section outlines the historical development of manuscript painting in Assam. In order to understand the development and current status of manuscript painting in Assam, the article is divided into two sections. These illustrations have been drawn in the Burmese style and have their origin in South East Asia and not in Assam (Choudhury n.d.). On the other hand, the earliest extant (emphasis mine) example of manuscript illustration in Assam is from the Phung Chin manuscript, dated 1473 CE and Suktanta Kyempong in Ahom language and script. There is historical reference to the art of painting in Assam in the Harsha Charita, with mention of gifts in the form of panels for painting on Agaru bark (Aquilaria Agalocha) along with brushes and colour pots (Boruah 2010), from the Assamese king Bhaskaravarman (seventh century CE) to Emperor Harsha. In Assam, the art of painting developed around the culture of manuscript illustration in line and colour (Kalita 2009). Visual arts in India have existed evolved over many centuries and are characterized by diverse styles.

Decorative manuscript writing