Under the latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya entitled ‘Exhibit of the Week’ the Kurim, a Thangka Painting collected from 1995. The Buddhist Communit of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh displayed in the audience as The fifth Exhibit of the month of March, 2021 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
In this regard Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind), Initially this series will focus on the masterpieces from its collection which are considered as unique for their contribution to the cultural history of a particular ethnic group or area.
Thangka painting is a unique artwork of the religious conscience, traditionally practiced by Lamas (monks) of the Buddhist community. It is primarily considered to be an object of devotion more than an artwork. Known as Kurim in the local term, this painting depicts the prowess and divinity of a deity who is shown centrally positioned, and surrounded by other deities with different attributes.
In general, Thangkas are sacred Buddhist paintings, painted over textile and then covered by a silk cloth usually folded and tied at the top. The entire painting process demands mastery over the drawing, perfect understanding of econometric, devotion, and patience.
Thangka also serves as an important medium of preaching the life of Buddha, various influential lamas, other deities, and bodhisattvas. Through the thangka painting, the entire Buddhist philosophy can be depicted or explained.