Designing Men’s Khadi Jackets with Traditional Manjusha Painting of Bihar

The present study, "Designing Men’s Khadi Jackets with traditional Manjusha Painting of Bihar" was carried out in Dr. R.P.C.A.U. Pusa, Samstipur. Bhagalpuri Khadi, traditional hand spun and hand-woven fabric from Bihar, holds cultural significance and historical importance. However, the craft has faced challenges in modern times, leading to effort innovative approaches for its revival. This study explore the integration of Manjusha painting, a traditional folk art form of Bihar, with Bhagalpuri Khadi jackets to enhance their value and appeal. Manjusha Painting is a forgotten and dying art formof Bhagalpur region of Bihar. It is also known as ‘Angika art’ originated from Bihula-Bishahari or Mansha folk tale, popular in Anga Pradesh (Bhagalpur) and is related to ‘BishahariPuja’. Manjusha’s are temple-shaped boxes with eight pillars. They are constructed from bamboo, jute, and paper. There is additional painting of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as other figures. These boxes are used at Bishahari Puja. Traditional art may be modernised and used to make contemporary fashion garments allowing the art to live on and generate income for rural artisans. The present study reflects the choice regarding Manjusha Painting on Khadi Jackets. Twenty motifs were selected into five categories animal and bird motif, floral motif, human figures snake, the sun, the moon fish, sandal or bamboo, horse and elephant motif. 12 designs of Manjusha Painting were selected for the value addition of the Khadi Jackets.10 Khadi Jackets were developed using selected designs with pigment dyes (acrylic colour) red, green, yellow, pink, orange and combination of these colours.51.7 per cent of the respondents liked very much the Manjusha Painting jackets and 48.30 per cent of the respondents informed that the Jackets were attractive. It was observed from that rank score of over all look of the Jackets code -9 was highest.37 per cent respondents liked Human motif and 37 per cent respondents liked floral motif and 26 per cent respondents like snake motif. The table showed that the majority of the respondents-85 percent-wanted to have any apparel from Manjusha Painting in their wardrobe.