MADHUBANI PAINTINGS: A ENDURING LEGACY OF MITHILA

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By Neeyati Rometra

  • India
  • Art
  • Folk Art

    • Table of Content

    India holds a vibrant kaleidoscope of folk art, spanning its diverse landscape and rich history. Each region boasts unique artistic traditions, developed over centuries to express cultural identity. As we journey eastwards to the Mithila region laying in the north of Bihar, we encounter the captivating world of Madhubani art. This popular art form, most commonly referred to as Madhubani painting, hails from the Madhubani district of Bihar. Madhubani art, a living narrative born from ancient traditions, has gracefully transcended its origins. Once told on the walls of homes, these stories now flow across paper, adorn textiles, and illuminate canvases, building a vibrant bridge between the past and present, enriching both traditional and contemporary spaces. 

    Predominantly a women's art form, Madhubani painting boasts a legacy of exceptional artists. Ganga Devi, Mahasundari Devi, Baua Devi, and Sita Devi, renowned both nationally and internationally, stand alongside other dedicated artists like Shani Devi, Yamuna Devi, and Channo Devi. These women, through their talent and dedication, not only preserve this folk art for future generations but also serve as powerful inspirations.

    Click here to read about the tourist’s guide to Madhubani

    Origins and History of Madhubani Painting

    "Madhubani, translating to 'forest of honey,' is a folk art tradition known for its vivid colors and depiction of religious tales. Originating in the Mithila region, particularly in villages like Ranti and Jitwapur, and extending to Darbhanga, Saharsa, and Purnea, these wall paintings gained prominence as Madhubani art. Their discovery by British Civil Servant William G. Archer in 1934, following a Bihar earthquake, marked a turning point. He documented these vibrant murals, publishing his observations in Marg in 1949. Further popularization came through Pupul Jayakar's efforts as Chairperson of the Handloom Handicraft Export Corporation, especially during drought relief initiatives in the 1970s and 80s, ultimately broadening Madhubani's appeal to a wider audience.

    Click here to read a brief history of Madhubani.

    Ancient roots in Mithila region of Bihar, India 

    From the heart of ancient Mithila, a region bridging Bihar and Nepal, emerges Madhubani Art, a vibrant testament to cultural continuity. Though 'Mithila art' encompasses a diverse array of expressions on various mediums, Madhubani painting specifically embodies the deeply rooted tradition of women transforming their homes into canvases of vibrant storytelling, adorning walls and ceilings with tales of life and myth.

    The very origins of this archaic art remain veiled in the mists of time, yet legend paints a vivid picture. It whispers of the Ramayana, when King Janaka, ruler of Mithila, summoned artists to celebrate Sita's marriage to Lord Rama. Simultaneously, Urmila, Lakshmana's wife, is said to have poured her devotion onto a mural, a daily act of worship during her husband's exile. While the factual accuracy of these narratives may be debated, their enduring presence within ancient Mithila literature serves as a powerful affirmation of Madhubani's profound antiquity, a living link to a rich and storied past.

    Traditional practice by women for festivals and rituals

    For generations, women have imbued their homes with the spirit of Madhubani, painting vibrant stories onto walls during marriages, fasts, and other sacred occasions. These artworks, intrinsic to their lifestyle, are more than decoration; they are an expression, captivating both the mind and the soul. Within Mithila Art, wall paintings, known as Bhitti-shobha, is a tradition primarily practiced by women. However, the expression of this art form varied significantly based on social hierarchy. Women from the Brahmin and Kayastha castes traditionally developed and refined art, emphasizing intricate designs and adhering to established aesthetic conventions.In contrast, women from other castes focused on creating these paintings with a greater emphasis on their practical and utilitarian function, often prioritizing everyday use over purely aesthetic or symbolic representation. 



    Monochromatic Madhubani Turtle Art by Ambika Devi
    Vat Purnima in Madhubani By Ambika Devi

    Notably, distinct styles of wall painting within Mithila Art correspond to caste distinctions. For example, Brahmin women employ the 'Bharni' style, characterized by vibrant colors filling mythological figures, delineated with bold black outlines. Kayastha women, conversely, utilize the 'Kachni' style, where intricate, firm and vigorous lines dominate over color. Additionally, 'Geru' and 'Godhna' styles, practiced by women from other castes, primarily feature religious motifs, depicting heroes such as Rahu, Salhesa (Vedic God Indra), and Govinda, reflecting their focus on devotional themes. This style is characterized by its use of small, stick-like figures arranged geometrically in parallel lines, concentric circles, or rectangles. These designs may be filled with color or simply rendered in black ink.

    Madhubani Painting on Wall of a House in Ranti

    Source: Gambhir, Sakshi, and IDC, IIT Bombay. “Madhubani Paintings of Bihar: The Art of Interpreting ‘Forests of Honey.’” D’source. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://dsource.in/sites/default/files/resource/madhubani-paintings-bihar/downloads/file/Resource-madhubani-paintings-bihar_Final.pdf.

    Within Mithila homes, Madhubani paintings illuminate three significant spaces: the Ghosain-ba-ghara, the sacred sanctuary for the family deity; the Kohabara ghara, the bridal chamber and its corners, the Kohabara ghara ka koniyan; and the adjacent verandah. The bridal chamber, the Kohabara ghara, is primarily a canvas for mythological stories and legends, rendered in the distinctive red mineral pigment, gairika. Within its corners, nayana yoginis, bearing symbolic articles, stand watch. Beyond these narratives, nature—plants and animals—also flourishes. Themes range from intimate glimpses of daily life, such as the vermillion-rendered Harisauna piya ka chitra portraying two girls, to sacred representations within the Ghosain ghara ka chitra. The Sarovarachitra, a depiction of a family pool teeming with aquatic life, is another common motif. Finally, the verandah offers a window into the rural scenes that shape the Mithila region Madhubani painting, a legacy passed from mother to daughter, flourishes through the strength of familial bonds. This tradition is uniquely invigorated when a bride, upon marriage, brings her own repertoire of patterns, introducing fresh elements to her new home and ensuring the art's continued evolution. As a rich cultural practice, Madhubani art served dual purposes: it provided an outlet for personal expression, offering a respite from the rhythms of daily life, and it functioned as a vital medium for conveying messages of purity and prosperity during social and religious occasions, remaining an integral part of family rituals and the lives of women in the region.

    Connection to Hindu mythology and folklore

    Madhubani art is deeply intertwined with Mithila, the kingdom of the Janakas. Popularly revered for its association with the celebration of Sita and Lord Rama's marriage, Madhubani painting evolved as a 'Kulin' art, a tradition of the privileged castes, flourishing within household settings and reflecting Hindu social customs. Given its fundamentally religious subject matter, Madhubani art drew heavily from mythological themes seeking inspiration in deities such as Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Durga, and Kali, with goddesses holding particular significance for Mithila's Brahmin and Kayastha artisans. Religious Madhubani paintings feature a diverse pantheon, including Rama and Sita, Radha and Krishna, Shiva and Parvati, Gauri and Ganesha, Durga and Kali, as well as figures like Ravana, the ten avatars, and celestial bodies like the sun and moon, with the Ramayana and Mahabharata serving as pivotal sources of narrative inspiration.

    Unique Techniques and Materials

    Madhubani art, renowned for its vibrant colors, traditionally employs natural pigments meticulously crafted or sourced locally, with hues derived from flowers, seeds, and minerals. Created on walls prepared with auspicious mud washes, the intricate designs are applied using fingers, twigs, and cloth, culminating in compositions defined by the signature double-line technique, reflecting a belief in duality and balance.

    Use of natural dyes and pigments

    Historically, Madhubani artists meticulously crafted their own pigments, but over time, they transitioned to sourcing materials from local villages and market towns in 

    Madhubani and Purnea, with supplies eventually arriving from Kolkata, West Bengal. 

    Madhubani's characteristic vibrancy stems from colors like gulabi (pink), nila (blue), sindura (vermilion), and sugapankhi (parrot green). Traditionally, black was derived from burnt barley seeds, orange from palash flowers, red from kusum flowers, yellow from turmeric or lime mixed with banyan leaf milk, and green from bel leaves. Soot yielded black, sikkar berries provided blue, and a light brown was achieved by mixing cow dung and gum in water. Dried and boiled pipal bark produced pink, Siam creeper yielded dark green, and gulmohar sepals, parrot green. Red could also be obtained from clay, and yellow from pollen. 

    Kayastha families traditionally prepare their paints, including brown, yellow ochre, turmeric, myrobalan (harada), madder red, and black, by mixing them with goat milk.

    However, today, artists utilize a broader range of organic and mineral colors. 

    Key techniques

    The creation of a Madhubani painting begins with the careful preparation of wall surfaces, traditionally plastered with cow dung or a white wash of mud. This foundational layer, imbued with auspiciousness, serves as both a preservative and a symbol of prosperity. Upon this prepared surface, intricate imagery is then applied using powdered rice and vibrant paints, manipulated with fingers, bamboo twigs, or cotton rags, with pens now also employed. The resulting compositions teem with life, featuring flowers, birds, animals, and traditional tattoo motifs, often filling the canvas entirely, leaving no empty space. The entire process is guided by a lead artist who establishes the composition, while others skillfully fill in the colors, with younger girls assisting the experienced women, ensuring the transmission of this rich artistic heritage.

    Line drawing

    A bamboo twig is used for drawing outlines.

    Filling

    Artist Ambika Devi Creating a Madhubani

    Traditionally, pihua, a small piece of cloth tied to a twig, is used to fill in the colours. However, today the artists use natural hair brushes. Women gather together and make the painting, often assisted by younger girls. 

    Double line drawing

    A defining characteristic of Madhubani painting is its use of double lines, also known as Kachni, symbolizing the community's belief in the paired existence of all earthly elements. Typically, outlines are created with two lines, and the space between them is filled with small cross or straight lines. This technique, applied to figures and borders, reinforces the concept of duality and balance, making the double line a crucial element in authentic Madhubani art.

    Themes and Symbolism

    Madhubani art, more than just a vibrant visual experience, is a rich cultural tapestry that interweaves themes of religion, nature, and social life. It offers a profound glimpse into the interconnectedness of Indian culture, from the grand narratives of Hindu deities and epics to the intimate details of rural daily life and celebrations. This art form employs a powerful symbolic language, drawing natural motifs and imbuing them with meanings of prosperity and fertility. Animals, such as elephants and fish, alongside geometric patterns and floral elements, are rendered decoratively, while human figures are stylized and abstract, creating a unique visual contrast.

    Depictions of deities and mythological figures

    The vastness of Indian mythology finds vibrant expression in Madhubani art, which brings to life a multitude of deities and mythological figures. From the epic narratives of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the art form showcases iconic figures like Lord Shiva, the divine couple Radha-Krishna, Lord Ganesha, and the revered goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

    Representations of nature and animals

    Beyond the realm of mythology, Madhubani art draws profound inspiration from the natural world, where each element, flora and fauna alike, carries symbolic weight. The sun and moon embody longevity and life preservation, while geese and peacocks signify peace and prosperity. The lotus, a symbol of good fortune and femininity, and bamboo, representing lineage and masculinity, enrich the art's intricate language of nature. Adding to this rich tapestry are parrots, symbolizing love birds, turtles, representing water and the union of lovers, and fish, signifying fertility.

    Geometric patterns symbolizing harmony and balance

    Madhubani painting thrives on a fascinating duality of distortion. On one hand, geometric shapes are strategically manipulated to generate dynamic energy and vibrancy, evident in the triangular construction of Parvati's bust, the spiraled rendering of tigers and bamboo, and Durga's composite form of semicircles, triangles, and rounded squares. On the other hand, figures are distorted in ways that evoke a striking sense of strangeness, departing significantly from realism. This manifests in unconventional facial features like foreheads bearing noses, profile eyes, receding brows, and fixed, penetrating gazes, creating a unique and captivating visual language.

    Social and cultural scenes

    Ultimately, it is the rich tapestry of culture and society woven into Madhubani art that elevates its aesthetic appeal and dynamic panorama. Serving as a vibrant chronicle of rural Indian life, the art celebrates both social harmony and the rhythmic pulse of daily existence. It vividly portrays the interconnectedness of communities, emphasizing unity and shared values through depictions of social rituals and festivals such as weddings, Holi, and Diwali. Rural life is captured with remarkable detail, showcasing agricultural labor—plowing, sowing, and harvesting—alongside the everyday domestic chores of women, such as cooking and fetching water. Village scenes, especially wedding ceremonies, imbued with symbols of love and fertility, are rendered with meticulous care, offering a profound and aesthetically pleasing glimpse into the multifaceted essence of rural Indian life.

    Contemporary Adaptations

    Madhubani art has experienced a significant surge in global popularity, evolving from its ancient origins to contemporary applications. Despite this expansion, the art form remains deeply rooted in the Mithila region, where local artists continue to drive its growth. The Festivals of India, beginning in the early 1980s, played a crucial role in promoting tribal and folk paintings, including Madhubani, through international cultural exchange programs, particularly in the United Kingdom. Today, Madhubani designs are incorporated into a variety of modern products, such as sarees, stoles, bags, and clocks, demonstrating the art's adaptability. The art of Mithila stands out for its unique synthesis of cultural knowledge, Sanskrit influences, and rich iconography, allowing artists to reinterpret classical techniques and forms within a contemporary context.

    Modern interpretations and innovative techniques

    The growing global demand for Madhubani art has led to the adoption of synthetic colors in contemporary creations due to the time-consuming process of preparing organic dyes. Additionally, the reproduction of Madhubani artworks as prints and posters has made the art form more accessible, allowing enthusiasts to decorate their spaces with vibrant representations. Furthermore, digital platforms have embraced Madhubani's intricate patterns and motifs, with artists and designers creating digital illustrations and graphics for websites, social media, and digital art prints. While these modern adaptations have broadened the art form's reach, they raise concerns about preserving the authenticity of traditional techniques and ensuring fair compensation for the artists who uphold them.

    A STROLL THROUGH THE SPOKEN FOREST, LEATHER TOTE BAG
    Madhubani Art in Madhubani Railway Station, Bihar

    Source: Chirodeep Chaudhuri, 2019, Jitwarpur,Madhubani, Google Arts and Culture

    https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/madhubani-painting-of-bihar-community-madhubani-railway-station/HwEzWADYcHCEgA?hl=en

    Like a newly married bride who carries and adapts her mother's artistic traditions of Madhubani art to her new home, Madhubani art has evolved, embracing contemporary subjects while preserving its core motifs and symbols. This evolution has propelled the art form beyond its traditional domestic settings, achieving global recognition. More than just aesthetically pleasing, Madhubani paintings serve as a powerful platform for social commentary and female empowerment. Women artists use their work to raise awareness about women's rights and contemporary social issues, moving beyond mythological narratives to express present-day realities. This activist potential was vividly demonstrated in 2012 when Shashthi Nath of Gram Vikas Parishad saved over 100 trees from destruction by adorning them with Madhubani paintings of religious figures and epic scenes, transforming them into culturally significant objects. In a parallel effort, hundreds of local artists, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission and a community initiative, volunteered to decorate a Bihar railway station with traditional paintings, further solidifying Madhubani's relevance and sustainability in modern society.

    Growing popularity and commercialization

    While the increasing commercialization of Madhubani art presents challenges to its traditional integrity, it also offers opportunities for innovation and wider appreciation. In the 21st century, with a growing demand for unique home decor, Madhubani art has found a place in contemporary interiors, both through retail outlets across India and online platforms. This commercial success not only sustains the livelihoods of artists but also ensures the art form's continued relevance. Furthermore, Madhubani motifs are being creatively integrated into branding, corporate designs, and various lifestyle products, including clothing, accessories, and stationery. This adaptation infuses modern designs with a sense of cultural richness and authenticity. However, it's crucial to strike a balance, ensuring that the infusion of contemporary elements enhances, rather than dilutes, the essence of this ancient art form, and that the economic benefits reach the artists who are its custodians

    How to Create Your Own Madhubani Painting

    Creating a Madhubani artwork can be a stimulating and imaginative experience. You have a variety of mediums to choose from, like paper, walls, canvas, or fabric. Simultaneously, Madhubani art offers a wide range of themes and motifs, from religious and mythological stories to social and everyday life scenes. You can also select a specific painting style, such as Bharni, Kachni, or Godhna.

    The process is as follows:

    • To begin a Madhubani painting, you first choose your subject matter.
    • After a rough pencil sketch, you outline the shapes and figures with black paint using nib pens (or a brush for fabric). 
    • Then fill these outlines with natural dyes or pigments (fabric colors are now often used for durability), applying them with brushes, twigs, or fingers.  
    • Typically, the entire surface is to be covered, with any remaining spaces filled with flowers, animals, birds, or geometric patterns.

    Note: To more closely resemble the traditional wall paintings, artists sometimes prepare their paper by applying a wash of gobar (cow dung) or tea leaves water.

    Learn the intricacies of Madhubani from the grand-daughter of Padma Shri awardee Godavari Dutta ji, a state-awardee herself - Priti Karn. 
    https://www.memeraki.com/collections/masterclasses/products/madhubani-masterclass 

    Preserving the Legacy of Madhubani Art

    Madhubani Art, traditionally associated with women, has seen significant contributions from a diverse range of artists, including both women and men, contributing to its expansion. Sita Devi, born in 1914 in Jitwarpur village, Madhubani, Bihar, is recognized for her pivotal role in popularizing the art form beyond its traditional rural context. Her efforts to preserve and promote Madhubani art earned her national recognition, and she is believed to have inspired many, with her works being appreciated by prominent figures in India.

    Baua Devi is another  notable artist from Jitwarpur, Madhubani District, Bihar, who played a significant role in transitioning Madhubani art from traditional wall murals to paper in 1966. Married at a young age, she began using new media to create and sell her artwork, supplementing her family's income. With encouragement from artists like Bhaskar Kulkarni, she gained further recognition by showcasing her work at New Delhi's Craft Museum, contributing to the broader appreciation of Madhubani art. Her efforts have garnered her national recognition.

    Ganga Devi and Mahasundari Devi are pivotal figures in the evolution of Madhubani art. Ganga Devi, hailing from the Mithila region of Bihar, was instrumental in bringing the art form to an international stage, specializing in the intricate Kachni style and earning national acclaim. Mahasundari Devi, a respected artist from Ranti Village in Madhubani, Bihar, defied social conventions to pursue her artistic passion, beginning her active career in 1961. She further contributed to the art's development by co-founding the Mithila Hastashilp Kalakar Audyoki Sahyog Samiti, a cooperative society, and was widely recognized for her significant contributions to Madhubani art through numerous awards and accolades.

    Support and promote Madhubani artists

    Recognizing the profound cultural significance of folk art traditions like Madhubani painting, both governmental and private sectors are actively investing in their preservation and promotion. This concerted effort seeks not only to sustain these rich legacies for future generations but also to honor the artists who have inherited and nurtured them. Specifically, the Indian Ministry of Textiles and the Bihar state government are collaborating on a range of initiatives to bolster Madhubani art. 

    These include providing platforms for artists to showcase their work, organizing training programs to enhance artisan skills, and establishing dedicated training centers across Bihar. Furthermore, the 'Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastashilpa Vikas Yojana' supports the development of innovative designs and skill upgrades. The Upendra Maharathi Handicrafts Institute in Patna, under a government scheme, offers a comprehensive six-month Madhubani painting course, employing expert artists like Kishore Das from Jitwar to ensure the transmission of traditional knowledge and techniques. 

    Art enthusiasts and collectors can directly support Madhubani artists by acquiring authentic artworks, ensuring the financial viability of these traditional practices and preserving India's cultural heritage. These art pieces not only enhance home aesthetics but also serve as enduring symbols of cultural pride and respect for artistic legacy. Similarly, to further demonstrate support and promote these local artisans, individuals or groups can participate in workshops and exhibitions, motivating artists and upholding the cultural values and traditions of Indian heritage.

    Challenges and Future of Madhubani Art

    The proliferation of mechanically reproduced and cheaply made imitations poses a significant threat to traditional Madhubani artists, whose handcrafted work, utilizing natural materials and imbued with cultural significance, requires considerable time and dedication. While the global demand for Madhubani art is welcomed, the mass production of inauthentic versions, driven by globalization and urbanization, disrupts the market and undermines the value of genuine craftsmanship. It is crucial, therefore, that government initiatives, private sector support, and individual consumer choices prioritize the promotion and sale of authentic Madhubani art, both online and offline, ensuring fair compensation for artists and preserving the integrity of this heritage.

    Madhubani art, while embracing diverse applications in textiles, decor, and corporate design, retains its soul in the traditional wall murals and the women-led rituals and celebrations that birthed it. To ensure its enduring relevance, sustainability, and the empowerment of its creators, Madhubani should transcend its original canvas. Promoting it as a viable income source for artists to showcase their talent globally will not only sustain the art form but also inspire future generations to participate in and contribute to this vibrant cultural legacy, fostering a sense of pride and continuity.

    Conclusion

    The enduring appeal of Madhubani art, as its name suggests, lies in its inherent sweetness, attracting viewers with its rich thematic depth and vibrant execution. This art form's successful transition from rural tradition to international recognition underscores its cultural significance. Supporting its authentic creation is an act of preserving a vital legacy, ensuring its continued evolution and global appreciation.

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    Goddess Lakshmi in Madhubani Art by Vibhuti Nath

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