Thangka painting has long served as a vital expression of Tibetan Buddhist spirituality and cultural identity, traditionally crafted in monastic settings using natural pigments and ritualized techniques. This paper examines how these sacred visual traditions are being reshaped in contemporary Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, under the influence of tourism, digital marketplaces, and institutionalized art education. Based on twelve months of ethnographic fieldwork (2025) in Dharamshala, including interviews with Thangka artists, monastics, and instructors at traditional art schools, the study employs symbolic anthropology and Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital to explore how notions of ‘authenticity’ are negotiated among artisans, religious authorities, and commercial actors. Findings reveal that while commodification has created new economic avenues, it has also introduced conflicts over materials, iconographic fidelity, and the role of spiritual intent. In response, some artists are developing hybrid practices that balance traditional techniques with market responsiveness. The paper proposes a grounded, pluralistic framework for cultural preservation that centers artisanal agency, accommodates diverse definitions of authenticity, and sustains both spiritual and economic dimensions of Thangka art.

Authors:
Karma Norbu Bhutia, University of Delhi, India

About the Presenter(s)
Karma Norbu Bhutia is currently pursuing a PhD in Anthropology at the University of Delhi. His research interests lie in environmental anthropology, tribal studies, and the anthropology of Buddhism, with a focus on the intersections of culture, art, and ecology. His work critically examines how indigenous artistic traditions, particularly Thangka art and mural paintings, serve as visual narratives that encapsulate Himalayan worldviews, spiritual beliefs, and ecological consciousness. Through a case study in Sikkim, his research explores the ways in which these art forms reflect and shape socio-cultural identities, historical memory, and environmental stewardship among Himalayan communities.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/karma-norbu-bhutia-41089319b

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