The Unique Madhubani

Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, is the epitome of folk art in the Mithila region of Bihar. The art form is incredibly old and the name “Madhubani”, which means “honey forest”, has a lineage of more than 2,500 years. These paintings are the local art of the Madhubani district of Bihar which is also the largest exporter of the traditional Madhubani paintings in India.

In the year 2018, the Madhubani painting style came into the spotlight after some artists decided to renovate the Madhubani train station by painting a giant Madhubani painting on the walls of the train station.

Paintings and artwork are a mirrored image of the way of life and subculture of the region from where they originate. Madhubani artwork is a crucial part of Indian Culture. Madhubani paintings in black and white are considered the oldest and the most stunning artwork that human beings can witness and admire. The style, which turned into dropping its significance earlier is yet again rising as a prime artwork form.

10 Facts about Madhubani Paintings that will blow your mind

1. The History of Madhubani painting

The records of Madhubani artwork dates again to the time of Ramayana whilst king Janaka ordered and commissioned the craftsmen to beautify the whole state with Madhubani representing his daughter Sita’s marriage with Lord Rama. Hork at the auspicious event of his daughter’s marriage. That’s one of the earliest mentions of Madhubani artwork that may be observed in historical scriptures and text.

2. Five specific patterns of the painting

Madhubani artwork has 5 specific patterns, namely, Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna, and Kohbar. In historic times, Bharni, Kachni and Tantrik fashion had been carried out through Brahman and Kayastha women, who had been considered ‘top caste.’ Their topics had been especially spiritual and depicted Gods and Goddesses, flowers and fauna. People belonging to lower castes were assigned with elements in their everyday existence and emblems into their paintings. Nowadays, however, Madhubani has ended up in a globalized artwork form. There isn’t any distinction withinside the paintings of various artists of various areas or castes.

3. Usage of everyday materials

Madhubani paintings are made with a variety of everyday materials. Earlier it was painted with fingers, twigs but now matches and nibs are also used. These images rarely have spaces. The edges are usually decorated with geometric and floral motifs. These colors use natural dyes. For example, Madhubani’s black and white paintings often use charcoal and soot for the black paint.

4. Madhubani art is characterized by symbols and figures.

Madhubani paintings are characterized by prominent figures, such as bulging fish-like eyes and pointed noses. The subjects of the paintings generally include natural elements such as fish, birds, animals, turtles, sun, moon, bamboo trees, and flowers such as lotus. Love, courage, devotion, fertility, and prosperity are often symbolized through geometric patterns, which is another important characteristic of this art form.

5. From the clay walls to the canvas.

Previously, Madhubani paintings were painted by women on the freshly plastered clay walls of their houses on religious occasions. The ability has been passed on from generation to generation. This art form can now be found in an international platform on mediums such as cloth, paper, canvas, paper mache products, etc.

6. Madhubani is an instinctive art form.

Madhubani art is created without the use of sketches, they are done instinctively by the artists. This characteristic makes the paintings not only unique but also incredibly exclusive.

7. Madhubani’s painting also prevents deforestation. Surprised?

This folk art is not only a decoration on the wall but also used for worship. Bihar artists painted pictures of Hindu gods on trees, and those with strong religious beliefs prevented others from cutting down these trees. This plays an important role. Prevent trees from being felled.

8. The connection to Feng Shui.

These paintings use symbols and geometric figures that have a strong connection to the philosophy of Feng Shui. The use of flowers, especially the lotus, birds, fish and turtles that we find in Madhubani’s paintings is closely related to the concept of divinity and spirituality in Feng Shui. It is believed that the Madhubani painting also brings the benefits of Feng Shui.

9. Importance of sun in Madhubani.

The sun has always been an important symbol of the worship of nature. There are paintings entirely dedicated to the sun that can be painted in different moods and colors. Every Madhubani house has a painting of the sun that they worship on a daily basis.