Madhubani painting, or Mithila Painting, as named after the place of origin, represents an exemplary form of folk art of the Mithila Region of Bihar. This ancient art form has 2,500 years of proud ancestry. Madhubani, which translates into 'forest of honey,' has a rich history and spiritual significance. These drawings are the traditional art of the Madhubani district of Bihar.
The place is also the biggest exporter of Madhubani paintings in India. In the year 2018, a group of 225 passionate Madhubani artists adorned the Madhubani Railway junction with their skillful art. 80% of artists in this group were women who decorated a 7,000-square-foot area as an initiative to elicit tourism in the district.
This initiative to refurbish the Madhubani Railway station has earned considerable attention, making the Madhubani painting a nationally and internationally recognized art form. Any kind of artwork reflects the culture and tradition of the place of its origin. Madhubani paintings bear the customs and lifestyle of Mithila district in Bihar. Moreover, these graceful paintings have become a significant part of Indian art and culture.
Though Madhubani paintings are known for their vibrant colors, the black and white paintings from the ancient time create a unique impression. The best thing is that this classic painting style has emerged as an impressive art form in recent times. So, let's go through the major facts about the Madhubani painting.
Krishna Raas - Madhubani Painting
1. Long & Rich History - The Madhubani painting is mentioned in the epic Ramayana. It takes us to the event of the wedding of Ram and Sita. The story reveals that King Janak asked the artists to decorate his palace with Madhubani paintings on the occasion of his daughter's wedding. The artists also captured the events of marriage on their canvas. It is the earliest mention of the Madhubani art in any written scripture.
2. Different Styles - There are five different styles in Madhubani painting, namely, Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna, and Khobar. These styles were categorized in ancient times based on the casts of the artists. For instance, Brahmin and Kayastha women used to follow the Bharni, Katchni, and Tantrik styles.
These styles mostly included religious and nature-related themes. On the other hand, artists from the lower casts used to display their daily lives on the paintings. However, the modern Madhubani painting is a globalized art form. So, the caste or religion of the artists no longer influences their artwork.
Traditional Indian Madhubani Paintings (Set of 4) | Madhubani Painting
3. Ingredients are Everyday materials - Madhubani artists use different types of materials they use in their daily lives. Traditional artists use a paste of rice for the white color and charcoal for the black. They use their fingers, match sticks, or pen nibs to draw the lines. For bright colors, artists choose different natural dyes. They embellish the borders with geometric designs using vibrant colors. However, contemporary artists use watercolor or acrylic to create more graceful artwork of global standard.
4. Figures & Symbols - Graceful symbols and geometric patterns are the main characteristics of Madhubani painting. The figures are composed of line drawings, and there is no space between them. The common symbols used in Madhubani art include birds, animals, fish, trees, flowers, bushes, sun, moon, etc.
Similarly, artists represent abstract objects such as love, loyalty, courage, fertility, and prosperity through geometric patterns. Madhubani paintings hold a deep connection with the precepts of Feng Shui philosophy. The use of flowery components, especially the lotus, as well as portrayals of birds, fishes, and turtles in Madhubani paintings, intricately entwined with the concepts of divinity and spirituality similar to Feng Shui. It is also widely thought that Madhubani paintings bear the helpful qualities of Feng Shui.
The Eye of Mother - Madhubani | Acrylic on Handmade Paper | By Hema Minakshi
5. Discovered by a Colonial Officer - In ancient days, the village women used to decorate their finely built mud walls with Madhubani paintings. These paintings were sacred symbols for them and a part of religious occasions. Nowadays you will find beautiful Madhubani paintings professionally drawn on clothes, patterns, canvas, etc.
The credit for the transformation of this artwork from mud walls to canvas goes to the British officer William G. Archer. He visited Bihar to enquire after the damages occurred due to the 1934 massive earthquake. During his visit, Archer noticed the amazing paintings in village huts. He encouraged the artists to make this artwork on paper and took the initiative to bring this fascinating art to the international stage.
6. Instinctive Art - Madhubani art is marked for its instinctive nature. The composition of Madhubani paintings does not pertain to the help of sketches. Instead, the artists trust solely their intuitions to elicit their art. This distinct trait not only renders Madhubani art unique but also enhances it with an extraordinary grade.
7. Prevents Deforestation & Worships the Sun - Madhubani's painting works for the prevention of deforestation as well. This customary art form is not only a decorative means but also a way of spiritual glorification. The skilled artists in Bihar make elaborate paintings depicting Hindu deities on trees. It thereby instills a feeling of reverence among people with devout religious beliefs and deters them from cutting these sacred trees. Thus, this art plays an important part in protecting and preserving our precious environmental resources.
Additionally, Madhubani painting is a great way of worshiping the sun. For many civilizations throughout history, the sun has remained a powerful symbol in the worship of nature. In Madhubani's painting, the sun bears remarkable stature in nature worship.
Within this creative realm, there exist devoted portrayals solely concentrated on the sun. It showcases myriad perspectives and shades to depict the strength of the sun. In every household in Madhubani, the family possesses a portrait of the sun, which they revere and worship regularly.
Madhubani painting is an exemplary form of folk art of the Mithila Region of Bihar. It has a 2500-year-old rich history and is not a mere art form but a great way of spiritual practice and nature worship. This traditional painting has five distinct types and gained global recognition in recent years.
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