Bihar’s Pride: Madhubani Painting
Bihar is famous for its language, food, and art. When we hear Kaisan ha? or litti chokha, immediately Bihar comes to our mind. But what is something that made Bihar famous worldwide? -Madhubani Painting.
Madhubani painting is a folk art famous in Bihar and Nepal. It is also known as Mithila painting or Madhubani art. Madhubani is a district on the border of Nepal and Bihar. This is why it is called Madhubani painting. This art is a mixture of nature and Hindu mythology. In this art, artists use tree, flower, animal, and human.
History
It is a 2500 year folk art. According to Hindus mythology, the origin of Madhubani painting can be traced in Ramayana. When Sita was getting married to Lord Rama, his father king of Mithila Raja Janak ordered his kingdom to decorate the town with Madhubani painting. Women used to decorate their walls and floor by Mithila art during festivals, special occasions, and weddings.
Discovery
In 1934, Earthquake and draught hit Bihar. Then, British employ came to Madhubani for inspection and found Madhubani painting on the wall. He encouraged women of that affected area to start their business through local arts.
Present:
Madhubani painting is not only restricted to home and past but the government is trying to expand this culture. The painting has a long way to go. Bihar railway has started Darbhanga to New Delhi train in which Maithali painting can be shown clearly. The whole train is painted in Mithala style.