WHA Annual Meeting: Korea 2026

The tradition of Mask-Making, commonly known as Mukha Shilpa has its roots in the Neo-Vaishnavite Movement propounded by the medieval Bhakti saint Shankardeva in Assam. These masks which are an integral part of the heritage in Assam was first of all introduced for showcasing in the Bhaonas, a traditional performing art. In Bhaonas the stories portrayed were from Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana, and various other epics related to Hinduism. Therefore, with time Mask or Mukhas became important for portraying certain characters which were mythological. The paper will try and analyze the historical evolution of mask making in the world’s largest riverine island-Majuli which is located in the North eastern part of India.

One of the most fascinating aspects of these masks is its innovation with time. This tradition is still in practice and number of modifications have been made by the Samaguri Satra, a medieval religious institution. Samaguri Satra had initiated the task of preserving the tradition in addition to dissemination of the knowledge to the future generation. Therefore, one of the primary investigations of this paper will be to figure out the stakeholders and their role as prime motivator for preparation, preservation, innovation and further enhancement of the aged old knowledge. Every year in the month of November, Majuli, (world’s largest riverine island) witness the largest festival of Raas-a festival associated with the life story of Lord Krishna in which these masks are used as props by the performers for showcasing the various mythological characters. The paper will also try and figure out the circumstances which led to the use of these mask in stage performances that was previously reserved for the use of religious proliferation among the masses.