Madhubani Art - Mithila paintings

This genre of Indian painting is practiced by the women of Mithila region in Bihar. Madhubani is a small village in Bihar which is famous for this art form. It is a classic art.

It is believed that in ancient time, these beautiful and vibrant paintings were used to decorate the entire region to welcome Lord Ram's Barat !

Originally these were organic paintings, made from twigs and fingers and organic or natural colours. Bright geometrical patterns on subjects based on Ram-Sita marriage and other daily activities are made on silk or handmade paper without using any measurement devices. But now a days, people use pens and different types of paints to make these paintings.

Basic patterns are Ram-Sita varmala, women involved in everyday routine like cooking or grinding spices or selling. Animals like fish, elephant, peacock, plants, banana leaves, flowers etc. also form a part of these designs.

A dancing peacock

My daughter filled in most of the colours as she loved the pattern! :-D

The beautiful bond of mother and daughter.

 Fish seller lady

Kalpavriksh - The divine tree of Hindu belief

Other geometrical patterns and animals like Elephant, banana leaves, mortar and pestle (an integral part of every household in India) too are depicted in this captivating art form.

The entire sheet or cloth (walls/canvases and otherwise) is covered with patterns of brightly coloured objects and events of everyday life.

The borders form an integral part of the art piece. It defines the painting and the artistic bend of mind of the maker.

Apart from this, Goddess Durga. Yashoda and Krishna, Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati too are painted with dedication. The Sun is source of energy which is worshiped and is also a major part of the paintings. This is the way Sun God is depicted in these paintings. 

Learn more about Madhubani here.

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