Sanjeev Kumar works on a painting that will be displayed at the exhibition. Telegraph picture

Patna, March 17: A special treat is in store for the art lovers of Mumbai. In a first-of-its-kind exhibition, 32 paintings made in Bihar’s Manjusha art form will be on display at Leela Kempinski, Mumbai, from March 18 to 24.

Artist Sanjeev Kumar, who has taken the initiative, has reproduced the stylisation of late Chakravarti Devi, considered to be the last prominent exponent of the art form, in his paintings which would be on display. Sanjeev, who has roots in Bhagalpur, has used acrylic colours in his paintings to give a contemporary touch to the pieces.

Manjusha is considered as modern art by many because of its form and abstract themes. A manjusha is a temple-shaped box made up of bamboo, jute and paper. According to tradition, the boxes, which are decorated with sketches of different characters related to a mythological story of Anga Pradesh (modern Bhagalpur) and gods and goddesses, are offered at Bishahari Puja to propitiate the snake gods. The sketches and paintings done on the manjushas are known as Manjusha art form.

However, in the want of support from the government and other agencies, the Manjusha art form has become virtually extinct.

Half of the proceeds from the sale of these paintings at Mumbai will be donated to Anga Vikash Parishad, a Bhagalpur-based voluntary organisation, which is working to promote different folk art forms that were once very popular in the region.

Sanjeev told The Telegraph over phone from Mumbai: “This exhibition will give art lovers a chance to understand the importance of Manjusha art. The income generated from the sale of the paintings will also provide financial support to those who are promoting this art form.”

Rajiva Kumar Sinha, a teacher of ancient history, culture and archaeology at Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, praised Sanjeev’s efforts. “This is probably the first time that someone from the field of art has taken up the task of making people aware about a form which is on the verge of extinction,” said Sinha.

Sinha, who has co-authored a book, Manjusha Art: Reflections in Folklore, Trade and Regional History, however, said that those trying to popularise the art form should ensure that its originality is not compromised.