Madhubani Art: A timeless treasure of Bihar’s soul and culture

Introduction

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Madhubani is a conventional art form originated in Mithila, Bihar, known for its vibrant colours and mythological themes. Madhubani art designs stand out due to its rich cultural history and distinct beauty. Madhubani art was initially practiced by women on mud walls, furniture and floors of home but later this expanded to paper and other forms. Madhubani paintings carry specific symbols such as peacock, fish and serpent as motifs in the design. These paintings often depict tales of various Hindu deities such as Ram, Krishna, Lakshmi, Durga etc. Madhubani art designs are made through twigs, fingers, brushes using organic dyes material for making these paintings. In 1960, Madhubani popularity increased and Indian government encouraged women to paint on paper, canvas and fabric (stole and saris) so women can have a source of income. Madhubani art is recognised by UNESCO as cultural heritage and known for its symbolism and spiritual depth.

History of Madhubani art

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An original Madhubani painting holds spiritual and cultural significance. As Madhubani art is believed to be originated around Ramayana period where King Janak commissioned women from his kingdom to paint walls for Sita’s wedding. King Janak painted the walls of the city in vibrant colours which reflects rich tradition of Mithila. As Madhubani painting is originated in Mithila, it is also called Mithila painting. Madhubani art has unique aesthetic featuring motifs of cosmic pattern, nature and gods. Mithila women used to adorn walls, furniture & floor of the homes by murals on special occasions such as weddings and festivals. The murals were more than decoration they were symbols used for divine blessings for prosperity, protection and fertility in homes.

In 1934, British officer William Archer came to visit Bihar to assess an earthquake situation and discovered Madhubani art on the walls of homes. As these drawings were initially made on the mud walls so they were not being preserved. Later in 1960, during a famine Madhubani art design resurfaced again. All India Handicraft board encouraged women to make these painting on paper, fabric or even canvas so it could be sold to other people.

In 1969, Sita Devi was given State award from Bihar government, National award in 1975 and Padma Shri in 2003 from government of India. Mamta devi received National award while Jagdamba devi got Padma shri in 1975 from government of India. These awards and accolades put Madhubani art on the world map.

Themes, Symbols and Style

Madhubani art is passed down through generations – echoing mythological stories, ancient rituals and nature wonders in bright colours and striking motifs. Dominant themes in Madhubani painting were of festivals and marriages which reflect cultural philosophy of region and nature of life. Initially this art was only practiced by Brahmin and Kayastha women but after 1960 this art gained recognition which encouraged Dalit women to practice this art as well. These painting feature line drawings which is filled with vibrant colours and complex patterns. It has vertical and horizontal section to portray different places and time zones in the painting.

Theme

Some of the popular themes of Madhubani paintings are -

• Religious theme – Image source: pinterest,  Second
  Madhubani artist makes paintings influenced by various tales of divine beings or human deities such as Shiva, Krishna, Ram, Durga, etc. Some of the most popular Madhubani painting are Ganesha Mahbubani painting, Lord Ram Mahbubani painting, Black and white Madhubani painting, Krishna Madhubani paintings etc. 
• Nature themes – Image source: pinterest
  Madhubani paintings are also known for using nature elements like flowers, moon, sun, birds and plants, etc. Madhubani paintings use purely organic materials such as flowers, cow dung, charcoal, rice dung, plants, leaves, indigo and sandalwood. These painting are simple yet elegant which makes them close to earth. 
• Social theme – Image source: folkartopedia
  Madhubani painting depicts various social theme from harvest, royal court, market to children playing. The main focus here is on different scenes of rural life but the most popular one is wedding ceremonies which has the message of love and fertility.

Symbols

Madhubani turns folklore into living and breathing masterpieces by using significant symbols. For example,

• Fish represents prosperity, fertility and good fortune. 
• Peacock represents beauty, grace and love. 
• Lotus flower represents purity and divinity. 
• Sun and Moon represents masculine and feminine energy. 
• Snake represents protection from evil. 
• Elephant represent strength and wisdom.

Styles

Some of the dominant styles were –

Image source: pinterest

• Bharani – This painting style uses vibrant colours and fill the whole canvas and feature tales of Hindu deities and emphasize on their historical significance. 
• Katchani - This painting style is from Kayastha group which uses only 2 colours and depict flowers, animals and other natural objects. Traditionally, they used 2 colours as red and black but modern variations use Black and white colours. 
• Tantric – Tantric style mainly features convention and religious writings which included Hindu deities. These paintings are hung in houses for special and auspicious occasions. 
• Godhana – This is simplest technique of Madhubani which is Kajal and bamboo pen to create paintings. It includes various natural creatures like birds, animals, trees, plants and flowers. It resembles tattoo design but painted on canvas or paper. 
• Kobhar – These are the most popular Madhubani paintings associated with weddings which is done walls of bride and groom. It features themes such as shiv Shakti, Yog yogini and Tantra raj that symbolise fertility and prosperity.

Technique and materials

Image source: pinterest
Madhubani is an art where time slows and tradition speaks in lively colours. It is made using traditional techniques and organic materials. The process of developing a Mahbubani painting requires preparing mud and cow dung mixture which is then applied on paper, canvas or even cloth. Its unique quality is the use of natural material for making Madhubani Painting.

• Some of these colours derived from organic material such as -
• Red is derived from Kusum flower 
• Green is derived from leaves of bel tree 
• Black is derived from husk of burnt rice • Blue is derived from indigo

These colours are later mixed with Babool tree to get desired consistency for painting Bamboo sticks, matchstick, twigs or even fingers are used for ensuring precision in painting. Madhubani painting has distinct style in which there are no empty spaces. The whole canvas is filled with intricate design and colours that symbolize prosperity and fertility.

Evolution of Madhubani art

Madhubani art has been evolved from painting on mud walls, furniture and floor to paper, cloth and proper canvas. Earlier this art form was restricted to women who created murals on the walls of their home but later men also started joined this art form. As time went by, the focus shifted to various modern themes such as floral fauna, still life and social issues. Newer forms and compositions are experimented by artists and using commercial and artificial colours. Instead of using twigs and thumbs now artists are using brush to paint on paper or canvas Madhubani painting. Currently, Black and white Madhubani painting is famous for its delicate pattern uses black ink on white background featuring traditional motifs like mythological figures and flora-fauna.

Significance of Madhubani Art

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Madhubani painting is the most famous art form of Mithila, Bihar which represent cultural identity of Maithili women. Madhubani paintings are a medium to share myths and stories in striking visual forms. Authentic Madhubani painting is tied to spirituality and religion which depict scenes from mythology and Hindu epics. These paintings have become economic empowerment and livelihood source of the rural women. Today Mahbubani paintings are celebrated not only in India but also in the world. They are being featured in homes, museums, and even galleries that displays cultural richness and beauty of India. Madhubani paintings are presented in Surajkund mela in Faridabad which helps in promotion of this art. Madhubani art has left strong mark on Indian culture canvas and celebrated as Mithila women legacy. Madhubani painting has received geographical indication (GI) tag in 2003 which shows the importance of this art and real regional identity. GI tag recognition helps people in protecting art form and preserve it for future.

Integrate Madhubani art into Modern homes

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Madhubani is a flexible art which can be presented in contemporary and traditional settings in various forms –

• Murals and Wall hanging – Madhubani paintings are vibrant in colour with intricate design that adds depth to the walls even with modern and minimalist interior. 
• Fashion statement – Madhubani art has now been covered on the fabric as well so it can be used on sarees, dupatta and scarves. Madhubani motifs can bring charm to various fabrics. 
• Tableware and Décor- Madhubani art can be added used as coaster, bowl or even hand painted trays which adds artistic as well as functional value to coffee table and dinning set up.
• Stationery – Madhubani art has been featured on bookmarks, journals and diaries which can integrate tradition in everyday life.

Madhubani painting is ideal for gifting on weddings or housewarming parties. For corporate gifting they serve as graceful luxury gift which will definitely impress customers. Adding Mahbubani painting to your home will elevate your space with its timeless beauty.

Conclusion

Madhubani is a timeless mirror which reflects artistic and spiritual soul of rural India. These folklore paintings depict nature and mythological event in Mithila region of Bihar. Every stroke shares a story and every pattern help in preserving cultural heritage. Madhubani art has evolved from mud walls and floors to canvas and fabric. Madhubani art designs are famous for intricate patterns and vibrant colours which has captivated hearts of people. Madhubani has gained admirers globally but it still needs marketing to create awareness about the brand.