GI tag for Majuli masks of Assam: History, cultural significance of the centuries-old art form.

Syllabus: GS-I, Subject: History-Art and Culture, Topic:  Art & Architecture , Issue: GI Tag

Context: The traditional Majuli masks in Assam were given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

/></p><p><strong>Majuli masks:</strong></p><ul><li>These are<strong> handmade masks</strong> used to depict characters in <strong>bhaonas </strong>(theatrical performances) under the <strong>neo-Vaishnavite tradition.</strong></li><li>The masks can depict gods, goddesses, demons, animals and birds.</li><li><strong>Made of: </strong>Bamboo, clay, dung, cloth, cotton, wood and other materials.</li><li>The mask-making tradition is practised in <strong>Sattras </strong>(monasteries that serve as centres of religious, social, and cultural life, established by Srimanta Sankardev).</li></ul><p><strong>Majuli manuscript painting</strong></p><ul><li>Also received the GI tag.</li><li>It is a form of painting done on <strong>sanchi pat, or manuscripts</strong> made of the bark of the sanchi or agar tree, using homemade ink.</li></ul><p><strong>Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568):</strong></p><ul><li>A revered <strong>Assamese </strong>saint-scholar, poet, playwright, and social-religious reformer.</li><li>Established neo-vaishnavism in Assam known as <strong>Ekasarana Dharma </strong>(Shelter-in-One Religion), emphasising <strong>devotion to Krishna.</strong></li><li><strong>Rejected the caste system</strong> and offered a path to salvation through devotion, open to all genders and social classes.</li><li>Credited with creating new forms of<ul><li>music (<strong>Borgeet</strong>),</li><li>theatrical performances (<strong>Ankia Naat),</strong></li><li>dance (<strong>Sattriya</strong>), and</li><li>literary language (<strong>Brajavali</strong>).</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Prelims Connect (Places in news):</strong></p><table style=Majuli Island:

●      Largest river island in the world and the seat of Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition.

●      Location: In Assam, formed by the Brahmaputra River to the south and east, the Subansiri River to the west.

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