Madhubani paintings obtained its official recognition when Sita Devi (prominent early Mithila artist) received the State Award by Government of Bihar in the year 1969, as she was the first to transfer the traditional art from the walls of her home to paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings received GI tag in the year 2007. Jitwarpur village of Madhubani district of Bihar is the hub of Madhubani paintings, with majority of its artist being women. These women are getting newfoundfame as they have good contacts among customers, who would buy paintings from them at a good price.
Many countries across the world have beenmesmerizedby this art: The Mithila Museum situated in Tokamachi hills, in Japan is now a treasure house of Madhubanipaintings, it has been displayed in famous mesuems like Victoria and Albert museum. There is a wide range of products that have been given GI tag, from Bihar and many of its products have foundtheir name in the GI tag list which includes the likes ofMadhubaniPantings,Sujini Embroidery, Sikki grass work, Bhagalpur Silk etc.
Madhubani Panting is one of the highly appreciated paintingsof India. This painting is practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal, and is also called Mithila or Madhubani art and is characterised by complex geometrical patterns, known for representing ritualistic content for any occassion like festivals, religious rituals etc. Madhubani Pantings originated in Bihar and is traced in The Hindu Epic Ramayana, when King Janaka asked his painters to create Madhubani Paintings for his daughter’s weeding Sita. The knowledge was passed down from generation to generation and then the painting began to adorn the houses of the region. Slowly this art attracted connoisseurs of art where many contemporary Indian artists took the art on a global stage.
The painting originated about 2500 years ago and bears testimony to the fact that, India is a hub of brilliant and diverse artists and craftsmen and Madhubani painting is one such art which has attracted artist across the world. It has very distinct look and carries its own legacy in the present generation. This painting is categorised into 5 different styles: Tantrik, Kohbar, Bharni, Godna and Katchni. Tantrik style of painting solely depicts religious texts and characters, it also manifests in the form ofMaha Kali, Maha Durga and other religious gods. Kohbar painting is filled with rich knowledge and details depicting its geographical culture. Bharni is one of the most famous styles of Madhubani paintings, used on canvas with vibrant colors. Godna is generally known as tatto in today’s life, and is done on arms and legs and, Katchni style consists of only one or two colours with fine pattern which is made with hatching and stippling. The colours used in Madhubani paintings are made from plant and other natural resources. It is drawn on canvas, cloth, handmade paper, walls, fabrics and other materials. It is also used in silk sarees, dupattas, kurtis and more.
On a brighter side, many NGOs and Art Galleries have come up with innovative ideas to preserve the impressive art form. In the year 1975,JagdambaDevi was awarded the Padma Shri for her renowned work in this area of art. Even though this art is centuries old, it has preserved its original style and content in its native land of Mithila. It is a rich traditional artistic style of Bihar which underlines the contribution of women to the development and popularity of Mithila paintings over many generations and has attracted many tourists across the world elevating it to international heights.
Priya Singh @samacharline