Madhubani Paintings

MADHUBANI PAINTINGS
(Session : 2021-22)
Presented By
RATNPRIYA TRIPATHI
(B.A. Hons.)
Roll no 21226ENG044
MAHILA MAHAVIDYALAYA
BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY
VARANASI-221005
MADHUBANI PAINTING
Madhubani painting is one of the many famous Indian art
forms. As it is practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal, it is
called Mithila or Madhubani art. Often characterized by complex
geometrical patterns, these paintings are known for representing
ritual content for particular occasions, including festivals, religious
rituals, etc. The colors used in Madhubani paintings are usually
derived from plants and other natural sources. These colors are often
bright and pigments like lampblack and ochre are used to create black
and brown respectively. Instead of contemporary brushes, objects like
twigs, matchsticks and even fingers are used to create the paintings.
HISTORY & EVOLUTION
Madhubani paintings originated in the Mithila region of Bihar. Some of
the initial references to the Madhubani painting can be found in the Hindu epic
Ramayana when King Janaka, Sita’s father, asks his painters to create
Madhubani paintings for his daughter’s wedding. The knowledge was passed
down from generation to generation and the paintings began to adorn the houses
of the region. The women of the village practiced these paintings on the walls of
their respective home. Their paintings often illustrated their thoughts, hopes and
dreams. Over time, Madhubani paintings became a part of festivities and special
events like weddings. Slowly, this art attracted connoisseurs of art as many
contemporary Indian artists took the art on global stage. The traditional base of
plastered mud wall was soon replaced by handmade paper, cloth and canvas.
Since the paintings have been confined to a limited geographical range, the
themes as well as the style are more or less, the same.
STYLE & DESIGNS
Madhubani paintings were initially practiced by
different sects of people and hence the paintings were
categorized into five different styles, such as Tantrik,
Kohbar, Bharni, Godna, Katchni. But today, these five
different styles have been merged by contemporary artists.
The themes used in these paintings often revolve around
Hindu deities like Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi, Shiva, Durga
and Saraswati. Also, heavenly bodies like the Sun and the
Moon often form the centerpiece of Madhubani paintings.
One can also find paintings based on the scenes from the royal courts and
social events like weddings. The usage of geometrical patterns is pretty much
apparent in these paintings. The fact that these complex mathematical
patterns were used in Madhubani paintings makes them more intriguing
and special.These paintings are also known for their simplicity, for the brush
and colors used are often derived from natural sources. While the paintings
are largely made using powdered rice, colors derived from turmeric, pollen,
pigments, indigo, various f lowers, sandalwood, and leaves of various plants
and trees, etc. Also, many natural sources are combined and are processed to
obtain the desired colors. The colors are often prepared by the artists
themselves. If the artists come across empty spaces even after completing the
painting, they usually fill up those empty spaces with the motifs of f lowers,
animals, birds and geometrical patterns. A double line is usually drawn as
the border.
NOTABLE MADHUBANI ARTISTS
This amazing art form is still kept alive because of the
efforts of many artists who continue to practice Madhubani
art. Many notable Madhubani artists have received national
and international recognition. Some of them are mentioned
below:
1. Sita Devi
2. Ganga Devi
3. Mahasundari Devi
4. Bharti Dayal
5. Jagdamba Devi
TYPES OF MADHUBANI PAINTING
1. Tantrik
2. Gondna
TYPES OF MADHUBANI PAINTING
3. Kohbar
4. Katchni
5. Bharni
MADHUBANI PAINTING IN MODERN TIMES
Madhubani art is an important part of the life of people in a
village called Ranti in present day Bihar. The women who practice this
art form in the village use it as an opportunity to create awareness on
social issues and to empower women. Artists like Karpuri Devi,
Mahalaxmi and Dulari are playing key roles in teaching other women
the importance of Madhubani painting. Their works are displayed in a
museum in Japan. Also, there are several institutions near Mithila that
teach Madhubani paintings to young artists. Some of the major
centers that teach this art form are Benipatti in Madhubani district,
Gram Vikas Parishad in Ranti and Vaidehi in Madhubani. Artist
Bharti Dayal owns a studio in New Delhi.
MADHUBANI PAINTINGS TODAY
Madhubani Paintings todayIn today’s date, Madhubani

history paintings are not just restricted to the clay walls
or other artefacts but also grace the surfaces of various
home decor items and accessories. Since Madhubani
paintings give the urban yet hip look to any object, they
are quite often the preferred choice of the art form on
various occasions, especially while decorating one’s
home or office. Also, they make excellent gifts on
numerous occasions. One can’t resist these bright and
simplistic paintings, and so they are often the safe choice
for deciding on a gift for friends or family. Across the
globe, Madhubani paintings are admired today.
Thank you

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MADHUBANI PAINTINGS

Madhubani Paintings todayIn today’s date, Madhubani

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