IMPHAL: The endangered art form of Manipur, Subika Art, which was once on the brink of extinction, is now witnessing a remarkable revival. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. Yumnam Sapha, Assistant Professor, Department of Fine Arts, Manipur University, this ancient and rare art style has not only gained new recognition but has also been introduced as a part of the university syllabus under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Dr. Yumnam Sapha has played a crucial role in the revival of Subika Art. His initiative, Modern Subika Art, aims to recontextualize traditional Subika illustrations for contemporary audiences while preserving their cultural essence. Traditionally, Subika Art was used for divination, fortune-telling, magic, and spiritual purposes.
Modern Subika Art is inspired by ancient Manipuri manuscripts known as Puya or Korbrek, which are rarely available in the public domain. This artistic practice blends traditional illustrations with contemporary expressions, ensuring the survival of this rare Manipuri art form. Dr. Sapha's illustrations have been featured in two Puffin books published by Penguin:
In a bold step towards preserving this endangered art, Subika Art will now be included as a separate chapter in Manipur University's five-year integrated Fine Arts course, in alignment with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
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