Madhubani Art
FAMOUS FOLK PAINTING OF BIHAR
Madhubani painting is a renowned folk-art form that originates from the Mithila region, which includes the northern part of Bihar and the eastern Terai of Nepal. The beauty of Madhubani paintings lies in their simplicity and use of natural materials. Local plants are used for colors, cow dung treats the paper, and bamboo sticks serve as brushes. Traditionally, this art has been practiced by women painters who pass down their skills from one generation to another. These paintings are characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns and often contain ritual content for specific occasions and festivals.
Historically, the Mithila region faced economic challenges due to droughts. In response, the All-India Handicrafts Board encouraged women to create Madhubani paintings on paper for commercial purposes, providing them with a new source of income. The roots of the Madhubani painting can be traced back to Hindu mythology, where King Janak requested these paintings to capture his daughter Sita’s wedding to Lord Rama.
Types of Madhubani paintings
Here are 5 types of Madhubani paintings you should definitely know about and their distinctive features.
BHARNI STYLE
Bharni is a Hindi word, which means ‘filling’. This art form was
traditionally used for portraying Hindu deities and their historical
contribution to India mythology.
KATCHNI STYLE
It has a unique individual style, mainly made using a monochrome or only two colors. These paintings primarily depict animals, flowers, and other natural aspects.
GODNA STYLE
The discovery of Godna Madhubani painting is believed to be done by Chanu Devi in which she used a pen made of bamboo and kajal to make the design. The most straightforward methods in the race of Mithila art style.
TANTRIK STYLE
This style represents the traditional and religious texts in a very precise manner. People in India generally involve these paintings in their home or any special occasion for prayers with firm faith.
KOHBAR STYLE
This painting mainly depicts Hindu wedding ceremonies, and they are primarily made on the walls of the bride and groom’s home.
Portfolio
Artist Gallery
Ms. Rani Kumari, a resident of Lalganj, Madhubani with 5 members in her family. Ms Pinki and her family earn their livelihood primarily from Agriculture Practices. After learning the art form she started supporting her family finically. Her aim is to support her family and create an enviroment for girls to be independent and support their family financially.
Rani Kumari
About the Artist: Ms. Sushmita Kumari, a resident of Sarisabpahi East, Madhubani with 4 members in her family. Ms Sushmita and her family earn their livelihood primarily from Agriculture Practices and Farming. After learning the art form she started supporting her family finically. Her aim is to support her family and create an independent network where everybody will be independent.
Sushmita Kumari
Ms. Arti Kumari, a resident of Lohna West, Madhubani with 6 members in her family. Ms Arti and her family earn their livelihood primarily froml agricultural practice. After learning the art form she started supporting her family finically. Her aim is to develop a community where each and every women can be independent and can earn for their livelihood.
Arti Kumari
Ms. Ritu Kumari, a resident of Bhatpura, Darbhanga with 5 members in her family. Ms Ritu and her family earn their livelihood primarily from Agriculture Practices. After learning the art form she started supporting her family finically. Her aim is to support her family and create an independent network where everybody can contribute in society.
Ritu Kumari
About the Artist: Ms. Guriya Kumari, a resident of Kharakh, Madhubani with 5 members in her family. Ms Guriya and her family earn their livelihood primarily from traditional agricultural practices. After learning the art form she started supporting her family finically. Her aim is to develop a group of artist who can work independently and can also promote the culture of Mithila through Madhubani Painting.