ART FROM BIHAR'S HEART , MADHUBANI PAINTINGS

The art of Madhubani painting, is the traditional style developed in the Mithila region, in the villages around Madhubani, Bihar.  Madhubani literally means a forest of honey.It is an ancient art form which holds a rich significance and background to it. Discussed under are the varied details and in-depth information about the subject. 

Figures from nature & mythology are adapted to suit their style. The themes & designs widely painted are the worship of Hindu deities such as Krishna, Rama, Siva, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Sun and Moon, Tulasi plant, court scenes, wedding scenes, social happenings around them, etc.  Floral, animal and bird motifs, geometrical designs are used to fill up all the gaps.  There is hardly any empty space in this style. The skill is handed down the generations, and hence the traditional designs and patterns are widely maintained.  

FACTS :

• Natural objects like the sun, the moon, and religious plants like tulsi are also widely painted, along with scenes from the royal court and social events like weddings.
• Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. There is hardly any empty space in this style.
• Cotton wrapped around a bamboo stick forms the brush.
• The colours applied are prepared by the artists.  Black colour is obtained by mixing soot with cow dung; yellow from turmeric or pollen or lime and the milk of banyan leaves; blue from indigo; red from the kusam flower juice or red sandalwood; green from the leaves of the wood apple tree; white from rice powder; orange from palasha flowers. 
• Madhubani paintings were traditionally done by females only. Since generations, this folk art form has been passing from mothers to daughters in Mithila.

Most of the figures depicted in Madhubani paintings carry a symbolic meaning to them which makes these paintings all the more interesting. Fishes in a Madhubani painting depict good luck, fertility and procreation, peacocks symbolize romantic love while serpents in these paintings are identified as divine protectors.

Where you can find this beautiful painting or art : CraftsIndia Gallery

LokVriksha, Tulshidham Road, Opp Vasant Vihar,Pokheran road 2, Thane West , Maharashtra.

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