Madhubani, situated in Bihar’s Mithilanchal district, holds a significant place in India’s cultural heritage. This village is renowned for giving birth to the exquisite Madhubani painting style, deeply rooted in the region’s historical and mythological narratives.
The origin of Madhubani painting can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Mithilanchal, where King Janak, known as the father of Sita from the Ramayana, ruled. References to this art form can be found in ancient texts like Tulsidas’s Ramayana and Banabhatta’s Harshacharita, indicating its presence during the time of the Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations.
Over time, Mithilanchal’s boundaries shifted, with half of the region now falling within Nepal and the rest in Bihar. Between 1960 and 1970, Madhubani painting underwent a transformative phase, transitioning from traditional wall paintings to individual artistic expressions on paper. This shift gave rise to celebrated women artists like Sita Devi, Ganga Devi, Mahasundari Devi, and Baua Devi, propelling Madhubani village into prominence as the commercial hub of this art, thus earning the name “Madhubani” painting.
Today, this captivating art form thrives in villages across Mithilanchal, including Jitwarpur, Simri, Bhavanipur, Laheriyaganj, and Tarouni. It transcends social barriers, embraced by individuals from diverse backgrounds irrespective of caste, race, or creed.
Madhubani paintings hold great cultural significance, often created during auspicious occasions such as childbirth, Brahmin rituals like the sacred-thread ceremony, pregnancy observances like sathhudi, and rites of passage like annaprashan and akshararambh. Festivals like ‘Chhath’, ‘Chauth Chand’ (the fourth day of Bhadra in the Hindu calendar), and ‘Devatthan Ekadasi’ serve as major inspirations for these vibrant artworks.
Traditionally, Madhubani painting was a domain of women, who passed down this art through generations without formal training. The style has evolved but retains its original essence. The art gained prominence in 1967 during a drought, prompting locals to turn to painting for livelihood. This shift catapulted Madhubani into a global hub for exporting these traditional paintings on handmade paper.
Madhubani painting is not just an art form; it’s a testament to the rich heritage and creativity rooted in Bihar’s Mithilanchal, embodying stories of ancient civilizations and timeless traditions.
Exotic India Art 
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