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Manjusha Art's GI Tag Fuels Women's Empowerment & Global Reach

The centuries-old Manjusha art of Bhagalpur, Bihar, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021, significantly raising its profile and demand. This traditional art form has become a major source of livelihood and economic strength for women artisans working from home. Its vibrant, religious-themed works are now sought after across India and in neighbouring countries like Nepal, creating new employment opportunities. Government promotion through festivals and exhibitions is further helping this folk art gain wider recognition.

Key Points: GI-Tagged Manjusha Art Empowers Women Artisans in Bihar

  • GI tag boosts demand & recognition
  • Empowers women artisans economically
  • Gains national & international market access
  • Promoted by govt. & NITI Aayog
2 min read

Manjusha art with GI tag becomes major source of women's self-reliance

Bhagalpur's traditional Manjusha art, with its GI tag, boosts women's livelihoods and gains national & international recognition. Discover its impact.

"With the GI tag... women working from their homes have received significant economic strength. - Ankit Ranjan Pathak"

Bhagalpur, March 10

The traditional Manjusha art of Bihar's Bhagalpur, which received the Geographical Indication tag five years ago, has emerged as a major source of livelihood for women and helped the folk art gain wider national and international recognition.

On September 14, 2021, the centuries-old Manjusha art of Bhagalpur was granted the GI tag. Since then, awareness and demand for products based on the art form have increased significantly. The Art and Culture Department of the Bihar government is currently organising a three-day Manjusha Mahotsav in Bhagalpur to promote the heritage craft.

Known for its vibrant colours and religious themes linked to devotion and rituals in the Sanatan tradition, Manjusha art has also become a medium of women's empowerment. The demand for Manjusha-based products has grown not only across India but also in neighbouring Nepal, leading to higher production, employment opportunities and increased income for local artisans.

Speaking to IANS, Bhagalpur's Art and Culture Officer Ankit Ranjan Pathak said the cultural identity of any region is deeply connected to its traditional heritage and art forms.

"Manjusha art is one of the prominent folk-art traditions of Bihar. Though it originated from devotion, rituals, and Sanatan traditions, new employment opportunities have emerged through its promotion. The art form has also been promoted through NITI Aayog. With the GI tag granted to Manjusha art, women working from their homes have received significant economic strength," he said.

Manjusha artist Pawan Kumar Sagar said the art form has created employment opportunities for many women in the region.

"We are thankful to the Prime Minister for helping Manjusha art gain global recognition. Whenever he visits Bhagalpur, he talks about Manjusha art, which helps the tradition reach new heights and brings greater attention to the artists," he said.

Another artist, Anjana Kumari, said the GI tag has brought several benefits to the artisans associated with the craft.

"After Manjusha art received the GI tag, we have got many opportunities to showcase our work. We now travel to different parts of the country to participate in government-organised programmes and exhibitions," she told IANS.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Aman W
GI tags are a game-changer for our indigenous crafts. It protects the art form and ensures the benefits go to the real artisans, not mass producers. Heartwarming to see women artisans gaining financial independence. Bhagalpur's Manjusha art truly deserves this recognition.
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Rekha R
As someone from Bihar, I feel immense pride reading this. My grandmother used to tell stories about Manjusha paintings during Bishahari Puja. Seeing it gain national and international platforms while empowering women is simply fantastic. More power to our didis in Bhagalpur!
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David E
Visiting India last year, I was amazed by the depth of folk art traditions. It's great to see concrete steps like GI tags being used to preserve them and create sustainable economies. This is a fantastic case study in cultural preservation meeting women's empowerment.
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Siddharth J
While the GI tag and promotion are commendable, I hope the focus remains on the art and the artisans. Sometimes, over-commercialization can dilute the traditional essence. The government must ensure the original artists, not middlemen, reap the maximum benefit from this increased demand.
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Anjali F
This is what true "Nari Shakti" looks like! Empowering women through their own skills and heritage. Would love to see Manjusha art designs on modern products like laptop sleeves or notebook covers to attract younger buyers. 👏

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