Madhubani Paintings: A traditional form of Art from Bihar

Originated in the Mithila region of Bihar, Madhubani art is practiced by using a variety of tools, such as twigs, brushes, nib-pens, matchsticks and even fingers. The paintings are characterized by remarkable geometrical patterns using natural dyes and pigments. Mithila paintings portray typical Indian rituals of particular occasions, such as marriage or birth, and the festivals, such as Holi, Kali Puja, Upanayana, and Durga Puja.

Traditionally, the paintings were done on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts. Now the paintings are also found on handmade paper, cloth, and canvas. Earlier, Madhubani paintings were made from the paste of powdered rice.

Madhubani art has five distinctive styles namely, Bharni, Tantrik, Katchni, Godna, and Kohbar. Earlier, in 1960s Bharni, Kachni and Tantrik art styles were primarily done by Brahmins and Kayashth women, who were considered as ‘upper caste’ women in India as well as Nepal. The themes of the paintings are used to be religious and depicted Gods and Goddesses, plants and animals. Similarly, lower caste people used to portray the aspects of their daily life and symbols, tales of Raja Shailesh and several other things, in their paintings. Nowadays Madhubani art has evolved as a globalized art form, so there is no caste discrimination exists in the work of artists. They display their talent in all five styles.

In 1969, Madhubani paintings received official recognition, when Sita Devi was honored with the State award by Government of Bihar. Latter, Jagdamba Devi became the first artist from Mithila to receive a National Award in Mithila paintings.

Madhubani or Mithila painting has remained confined to a compact geographical area and the skills have been passed on through centuries, it has been accorded the coveted GI (geographical Indication) status.