Painting on the Bark of Aquilaria Tree: Traditional & Dying Culture of Art in Assam

Abstract

The Sanchi tree (Aquillaria Agallocha) bark has a rich history of artistic expression in Assam. From the fifteenth to the eighteenth century, the tradition continued until it was officially recognised as the Satriya School of painting. The Kamrupa kings of Assam in the seventh century were the first known practitioners of this artistic style. On the bark of the Aquilaria or Agar tree are depicted the main Hindu epic tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata-Purana, Kalki-Purana, and an elephant treatise. The indigenous people painstakingly prepared the materials, which included a long-lasting locally created waterproof ink and colours derived from natural components. Aquillaria tree bark painting played an important part in the religious and social development of Assam via the medium of visual communication. When it comes to learning about and appreciating the rich cultural heritage of India's northeastern area, these paintings are invaluable. The art and research communities of today must acknowledge and disseminate the vital data on this dwindling body of knowledge about fine art practice if it is to have any impact on artists and art historians in the future.