Arunachal & The Thangka’s
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The spiritual Thangka connection between Arunachal and Tibet.
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Arunachal Pradesh a part of the Seven Sister states, is one of the largest states of North East India. It is also known as the “land of dawn lit mountains” and is believed to have the highest number of regional languages in South Asia. Native people trace their origins to Tibetan-Burmese people. Arunachal shares its borders with Assam and Nagaland in the south, with Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east, and China in the north. China has often claimed a part in the state, mentioning that it is a part of Tibet.
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Thus, Tibetian influence is present in all the areas of the state such as food, art and crafts, clothing, handlooms, culture, architecture, furniture etc. One such art form is the Thangka/Tangka painting. It is popular mainly in the Buddhist dominated areas such as Tawang, West Kameng, Upper Siang. This art form takes the concept of painting beyond canvas. It basically consists of a picture panel which is either painted or embroidered on silk applique. These paintings usually depict a Buddhist scene/image, or Mandala, or deity. These paintings are more or less in the form of scroll paintings, and are delicate. Sufficient care needs to be taken so that moisture does not affect the silk and they need to be stored in dry places. Depending on what is painted/the subject these paintings could also be used as teaching tools to enlighten mankind and further them on the path of enlightenment.
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This beautiful art form which backs itself with an intense meaning is also available in Delhi. Tourists or people who are not able to visit the state can still have a part of it with themselves. Since these paintings are the product of Tibetian influence one could head over to Tibet House in Delhi to have a look at some of the most authentic and old paintings. They have on display about 200 of these invaluable paintings. The ones here might look all the same but each one of them has a different story to tell. Each painting depicts the various stages in the life of Gautam Buddha. To understand them one needs to devote a little time which would only illuminate the soul and leave the person in deep thought. While one could go and only see them at the Tibet house; but to buy one of these one could head over to Majnu Ka Tila, a little Tibetian colony tucked away in one of the corners of the city. This little colony is a world in its own, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who have made the place their own. These paintings are also available in limited quantites in the Tribes India emporium located at the Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan.
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Price: - Starts from Rs 2150-10,000 depending on the size
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Where to buy: - Majnu Ka Tila; Tribes India emporium
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Located: - Near North Campus University of Delhi; Gallery No.-2, Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan, Baba Kharag Singh Marg, New Delhi
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Nearest Metro Station: - Vishwavidyalaya/Vidhan Saba; Rajiv Chowk/Shivaji Stadium Metro Station
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Contributed by: - Aditi Arora
