Once upon a time, there existed a kingdom by the name of Mithila, the King was known as Janak and his daughter was the great Sita who is the wife of Lord Ram in the mythological tale of Ramayana. Sita was also known as Vaidehi and Maithili, the town is named after her and the famed vernacular art form Madhubani Painting is also called Mithila art. In this essay, we shall be delving into the history of Madhubani art painting, an animated world of Madhubani painting and learn more of its story.
The Mithila region of Bihar is a Madhubani district, various sleepy hamlets have live and practising artists of Madhubani Mithila painting. The houses are made of mud and even some famed temples are covered in Madhubani wall painting and coloured in vibrant hues. One such small village is Jitwarpur, wherein 3 Padma Shri Awardees come from this village, then we also have temples such as Ram Janaki temple whose walls are painted with stories from the Ramayana giving rise to Ram Sita Madhubani painting. These paintings are hand-painted by the community of Madhubani painters within the region.
The Story of Madhubani Painting
Original Madhubani paintings adorned the walls of homes, capturing the essence of daily life and religious rituals. Used as a form of storytelling, Madhubani painting depicts mythological tales and folk legends. Over time, Madhubani art painting transcended its humble beginnings, gaining recognition as a significant cultural heritage. The true essence of Madhubani painting lies in the skilled hands and boundless creativity of its artists. These artists, often women from the Mithila region, are the torchbearers of this ancient tradition, passing down their techniques and stories through generations. This answers the question of how Madhubani painting is made.
Women Who Make Best Madhubani Painting Images
We have many acclaimed Madhubani artists who have changed the landscape of Madhubani art painting since it gained traction. Many women artists gained popularity and exerted creative agency over beautiful Madhubani painting. This simple community-based art form which was traditionally only painted during festivals and in Khobar houses, adorning the walls of a house is now a celebrated art form in India. The art and the woman Madhubani painting artists have travelled internationally bringing fame and great patronage towards the beloved art. Madhubani painting is synonymous with the Indian identity now and the reason for that solely goes to the bold women artists who practised it and stepped out of their villages to showcase it to the world.
Sita Devi – Mistress of Madhubani Painting Sketch
We have Sita Devi, she is one of the most celebrated artists known to draw Madhubani painting, whose remarkable talent and unique artistic vision have left an indelible mark on the art world. Sita Devi’s journey as an artist and her association with the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy in Delhi showcases the power of her creativity and the recognition she garnered. Sita Devi, hailing from the village of Jitwarpur in Bihar, was born into a family of traditional artists who practised the art of Madhubani painting.
Growing up in an environment steeped in artistic expression, she imbibed all the skills required for Madhubani Painting and techniques of Madhubani art painting from a young age. She explored new themes, and modern Madhubani painting motifs, and experimented with colour palettes, infusing her works with a contemporary touch while preserving the essence of the art form. Through her innovative approach, Sita Devi brought Madhubani art painting into the spotlight, raising its profile as a unique and versatile art form. Her artistic journey at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy served as an inspiration to countless artists, fostering a renewed appreciation for Madhubani painting drawing.
Ganga Devi – Mastering The Madhubani Painting Canvas
Another prominent figure hailing from the Madhubani painting state of Bihar is Ganga Devi. Ganga born in the village of Ranti, was also introduced to Madhubani painting at a young age. With an innate talent and unwavering passion, she honed her skills, excelling in canvas Madhubani painting. Ganga Devi’s best Madhubani Paintings showcased remarkable attention to detail, as she meticulously depicted mythological tales, rituals, and everyday life in her creations. Her exceptional talent caught the attention of art enthusiasts and scholars alike, leading to her participation in numerous exhibitions and workshops across India and abroad.
Ganga Devi’s Madhubani painting images were showcased in prestigious galleries, museums, and art events, amplifying the recognition and appreciation of Madhubani art painting on a global scale. She dedicated herself to nurturing and empowering future generations of Madhubani artists. Through workshops and training programs, she shared her knowledge, techniques, and passion with aspiring artists, ensuring the continuity of the art form for years to come. Her dedication and tireless efforts earned her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, for her significant contributions to the field of Madhubani art.
Bharti Dayal – Creating Madhubani Easy Painting
Bharti Dayal, a contemporary Madhubani artist, has created a distinctive artistic style that seamlessly merges the traditional Madhubani painting with contemporary elements and themes. With a deep-rooted connection to her Mithila heritage, Bharti Dayal began her artistic journey by embracing the traditional motifs, colours, and techniques of Madhubani art. However, as her artistic vision evolved, she began experimenting with new styles, incorporating elements from nature, folklore, and everyday life.
Bharti Dayal’s Madhubani art painting reflects her strong affinity for nature, with intricate renderings of flora, fauna, and celestial bodies. Her Madhubani painting depicts joyful scenes of village life, capturing the vibrancy and beauty of rural existence. In addition to her artworks, she has also ventured into other mediums, including textile design, book illustrations, and murals. Through these diverse avenues, she has expanded the reach of Madhubani art painting, introducing it to new audiences and breathing fresh life into this ancient tradition. Her remarkable talent and creative fusion have earned her numerous accolades and recognition both in India and internationally. Bharti Dayal’s Madhubani painting continues to inspire artists and enthusiasts, emphasising the endless possibilities that lie within the realm of Madhubani art.
The contributions of each and every courageous and creative woman Madhubani painting artists have not only helped preserve and promote this ancient art form but also have enriched its heritage, fostering its continued relevance in the contemporary art world.
Making Simple Madhubani Painting Designs
Creating a Madhubani painting is a meticulous process, requiring patience, precision, and an intimate connection with nature. Traditionally, natural pigments were used, extracted from plants, flowers, minerals, and even kitchen ingredients. These pigments, when mixed with gum or milk, transformed into a vibrant palette, ready to bring life to the Madhubani painting canvas. The artistic process typically begins with preparing the canvas, often made of handmade paper or fabric or some even directly paint the walls.
The artist then makes a Madhubani painting sketch using a thin twig or a brush, outlining the intricate patterns that will later be filled with colours. Madhubani painting characteristics include the double-line technique, where the outlines are boldly emphasised with double strokes. The colours are then meticulously filled, often in a flat style, allowing the Madhubani painting designs to take centre stage. In some cases, natural dyes are applied to lend a unique charm to the paintings. For instance, the use of rice paste mixed with turmeric imparts a golden glow, while charcoal is employed to create dramatic contrasts.
Styles and Symbols of Madhubani Painting
Madhubani painting, with its diverse styles and intricate symbols, forms a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Some of the styles have been discussed below.
Bharni Style
Bharni style is characterised by its elaborate detailing and intricate patterns. Artists using this style often fill the entire composition with vibrant colours and meticulous Madhubani painting designs. One may see peacock Madhubani painting, Madhubani bird painting, Madhubani painting sun, and other geometric shapes. Symbolic representations of fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings are common themes found in the Bharni style, which creates an exquisite Chhath Puja Madhubani painting.
Katchni Style
Katchni Style is recognized by its fine, cross-hatched lines that create a visually striking effect in original Madhubani paintings. Artists meticulously draw parallel lines to form intricate patterns and textures. This style often features geometric shapes, Madhubani bird painting, and fish, symbolising prosperity and harmony. The Katchni style’s linear precision adds a sense of rhythm and movement to the compositions.
Tantrik Style
The Tantrik style in Madhubani painting depicts elements of mysticism and spirituality. It draws inspiration from ancient tantric practices and mythology. This style of Madhubani depicts deities and intricate yantras, which are geometric diagrams representing the cosmos. The Tantrik style utilizes bold colours and symmetrical designs to evoke a sense of divine energy and transcendence.
Godna Style
Godna style of Madhubani art painting derives its name from the word ‘godna’, which means tattooing. This style mimics the patterns and motifs traditionally used in tattooing rituals. Artists create bold, black outlines filled with earthy colours. The motifs often include geometric patterns, flora, fauna, and celestial bodies. The Godna style reflects the belief in the protective and transformative powers of body art.
The symbols and Madhubani motifs that are painted from the style are enchanting. Gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology, such as Krishna, Radha, Durga, and Ganesha, are often depicted, adorned with intricate designs and vivid hues. Hence, one may often see Radha Krishna Madhubani painting, Ganesha Madhubani painting, or even a solo Madhubani Krishna painting. Peacocks, fish, turtles, and lotus flowers dance across the Madhubani painting, symbolising fertility, prosperity, and spirituality. Mythological tales and religious rituals make a grand Chhath Puja Madhubani painting, represented in temple walls, houses and even for social issues.
Evolving Madhubani Narratives
While Madhubani Painting of Bihar is deeply rooted in its traditions and is still painted on the house walls that line the districts of Bihar, they have also undergone changes to meet urban demands and to make a living out of painting these arts. It has also embraced contemporary themes and adaptations, reflecting the changing times and artistic expressions. Artists have started experimenting with new colours, styles, and mediums, introducing innovation while staying true to the essence of Madhubani art painting. Contemporary renditions of Madhubani painting can be found on diverse canvases, including cloth, pottery, and even digital platforms. Artisans are exploring new avenues, collaborating with designers and organisations to showcase Madhubani art painting in various forms, from fashion apparel to home decor.
Various institutions have played a pivotal role in fostering the growth and evolution of contemporary Madhubani art painting. These organisations provide platforms for artists to showcase their work, offer training programs, and facilitate cross-cultural exchanges. One such institution is the Mithila Museum. Located in Japan, the Mithila Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting Madhubani art. The museum not only exhibits traditional Madhubani paintings but also showcases contemporary renditions, encouraging artists to experiment and push boundaries. It houses 850 Madhubani paintings and other Indian vernacular art forms showcasing the rich culture of India.
Contemporary Madhubani art painting has witnessed a dynamic shift in style and themes while retaining its distinctive essence. Artists are exploring new techniques, merging diverse art forms, and addressing contemporary social, environmental, and cultural issues. Artists are increasingly experimenting with the fusion of Madhubani art with other art forms, such as impressionism, cubism, and abstract art. This amalgamation creates a unique visual language, blending traditional motifs with modern aesthetics. Numerous contemporary artists have made significant contributions to the evolution and popularity of Madhubani art painting. They have brought fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and global recognition to the art form. Artists like Manisha Jha and Pushpa Kumari have pushed the boundaries, blending traditional motifs with abstract expressions, and breathing new life into the art form. The palette has expanded, embracing unconventional colours, and the narratives have expanded to include contemporary issues such as gender equality and environmental conservation.
Contemporary narratives are also being explored by the artists. While Madhubani art painting traditionally depicted mythological stories and religious motifs, contemporary artists are incorporating narratives that reflect current social, political, and environmental realities. Themes like women’s empowerment, climate change, and cultural identity find expression in the Madhubani repertoire.
For example, in 2012, Madhubani paintings became a conservation tool in Bihar. As deforestation threatened local trees, an NGO called Gram Vikas Parishad harnessed the cultural significance of these trees in Madhubani paintings. They encouraged artists to adorn the trunks and branches with intricate paintings of gods and mythical scenes. This initiative sparked awareness and respect for nature’s sacredness, inspiring the community to protect the environment. The fusion of art and conservation in Madhubani painting exemplified the power of cultural traditions in promoting sustainable development and nurturing a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Image Courtesy – The Saffronart Blog
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