Madhubani Painting
The painting tradition of Mithila, made for weddings, births and festivals, known for bold lines and dense patterns.
Madhubani painting, also called Mithila art, is the painting tradition of the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal. It takes its name from Madhubani district, where it originated and where it is still most actively made. Jitwarpur, Ranti and Rasidpur are the villages most closely tied to its history.
The art was traditionally practised by women, with ritual paintings made for particular occasions such as births and weddings and for festivals. Artists work with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib pens and even matchsticks, using natural pigments: lampblack for black and ochre for reddish brown. The paintings are known for their eye-catching geometric patterns.
Styles and artists
Five styles are usually distinguished: Bharni, Kachni, Tantrik, Godna and Kohbar. Wider recognition came through artists such as Jagdamba Devi, who received the Padma Shri in 1975, Sita Devi of Jitwarpur, Ganga Devi, Baua Devi and Mahasundari Devi.
