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One of the most pressing debates perpetually troubling traditional Nepali art is if the paubha art that originated and is practised in the Kathmandu valley by its native inhabitants, Newas, has any historical ties with the Tibetan thangka art. While many consider the two forms–coexisting in Kathmandu today–synonymous, paubha painter Ujay Bajracharya is outspoken against the perception of synonymity.

Bajracharya says one of the major objectives of his recently released book, Paubha: Where the Divinities Reside, is to spread awareness regarding the ancient art that originated in Nepal.

“General people won’t find any differences between paubha and thangka. But, I insist the thangka painting tradition originated with the influence of the paubha painting tradition,” he says.

Also, there are many stylistic differences between the traditions. “But, I have found even researchers confused.”

This intrigued a curious Ujay Bajracharya to do something to clear the confusion. After hard work, which also involved traditional rituals to practise paubha, for a decade, he has finally come up with the book, which he believes will preserve the ancient art for centuries.