The Mesmerising Pattern of Mithila Paintings

Tracing its origins from the time of the Ramayanas, Mithila or Madhubani Paintings, the art form from the Mithila region of the state of Bihar, weaves a mesmerising pattern with intricate details that leaves art lovers awestruck.

Mithila paintings is part of the rich legacy of traditional art and culture that India is blessed with. These paintings are not just a product of paint brushes and paints, but are literally hand-made using fingers, twigs, brushes, nib pens and matchsticks, making use of paste of powdered rice, natural dyes and pigments. Their geometric patterns and intricate detailing are all the more eye-catching, and the use of brighter colours makes them even more visually pleasing.Significantly artists will fill up all available empty space with ornate designs.

The artists would mainly depict the tales and stories of the Hindu deities such as Krishna, Rama, Durga, Shiva and Saraswati, with recurring themes of sun and the moon. They also depict natural elements like fish, birds, animals, turtle, sun, moon, bamboo trees and flowers, like a lotus. Love, valour, devotion, fertility, and prosperity are also represented along with the subjects like festivals and religious ritualson special occasions.

In the past, it has been seen that women would craft fascinating designs of Madhubani art on the walls and floors of village huts as it is believed that this would bring prosperity to any newlyweds. Now they are also done on cloth, handmade paper and canvas.

It is amazing that even today, Madhubani paintings have found its way in the modern face of the country. These paintings have landed on the Bihar Sampark Kranti Express which runs from Darbhanga, Bihar to New Delhi. Nine of the coaches on this train are painted with Mithila Art, bringing aesthetics to your regular train journey. Not only will the vibrancy of this artwork lift up your mood, but it makes your journey all the more Instagrammable. Just a selfie with the coach and the perfect hashtag will make you trending. That ought to tickle all your travel buddies.

Also, while you are in Bihar, you cannot possibly miss the 7005 sq ft painting adorning the walls at Bihar’s Madhubani Railway Station. This railway station got a complete makeover under the initiative of Indian Railways to experiment with local artists voluntarily painting. More than 225 artists, 80% of them women, volunteered to paint the station free of cost.

Mithila paintings have been accorded the coveted GI (geographical Indication) status as it has remained confined to compact geographical area, and these skills have been passed on from one generation to the other through the centuries, but content and the vibrancy of the artwork still remains the same.