Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Thangkas are Tibetan Buddhist scroll paintings usually done on cotton or silk fabric. They depict deities, mandalas (symbolic diagrams), and other religious subjects.
Related terms
Mandala Paintings: These are circular thangkas that represent the universe and are used for meditation and spiritual purposes.
Thanka Conservation: The process of preserving and restoring thangkas to ensure their longevity and maintain their artistic integrity.
An ancient trade route connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, which played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism and the exchange of art, including thangkas.