Madhubani paintings as the name says get its name from Mithila region of Bihar where it is widely made particularly by women. The history of Madhubani paintings goes back to the time of Ramayana. Originally the painting was done on done on cloth, hand-made paper and canvas. Madhubani painting mostly depict nature and Hindu religious figures and the themes generally associated with Hindu deities, Natural objects like sun, moon, and religious plants like Tulsi, Radha and Krishna, Rama, Shiva, Ganesha, Laxmi, Saraswati, the Deep (it is a traditional lamp – made of soil, a symbol of a happy life), wedding scenes and other social events.
Madhubani painting is one of the famous Indian art forms. As it is made in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal, it is called Mithila or Madhubani art. these paintings are known for representing ritual content for particular occasions, including festivals, religious rituals, etc.
Madhubani paintings came many years ago by the womenfolk of Mithila, it was Sita Devi who brought this art form under the limelight. Sita Devi was honoured with the State Award by the government of Bihar in the year 1969 and that is when this art form received national recognition.
Through this painting, Mithila region expresses the creativity and sensitivity of its people. Even, it reflects the morals, values and customs of the region in a very interesting way. This age-old art is achieved by the use of fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, using natural dyes and pigments, and is characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns. These paintings are predominantly made by the women of the Mithila region and thus it signifies a great deal in a male-dominated society.
Working Style and process
Before starting the painting, women usually do a prayer to the deities so that their favour accompanies them in their objectives or rituals. For its elaboration, the cotton wrapped on a bamboo stick is used as a brush. The colours that are applied are prepared manually by the artists. The black colour is prepared by mixing blight with cow dung; yellow is prepared based on turmeric and Banyan leaf milk; blue is extracted from indigo; the red of the Kusum flower; the green leaf of the applewood tree; the white of rice powder; and orange of the Palash flower.
· First, start with sketching the boarder on the canvas. It is done by free hand by using NIB pen before it, the canvas is coated with cow dungs and clay. It is done as the cow dung protects the paintings from insects.
· Then artist sketches the design using bamboo stick or NIB pen.
· Fill the homemade colors using the cotton wrapped on a bamboo stick and a neem tree twig as a brush. Artist applies colors in layers from light to dark.
· Once the coloring is completed, the paintings is left to dry.
Preserving the Madhubani Paintings
As we know, Madhubani painting is one of the most famous arts in the world that is made at Mithila, in Bihar especially by women. Madhubani painting has evolved with time, it is essential to preserve its rich legacy because it is providing employment to women by it, they can be self -dependent. Efforts are being made to promote and support the artists, ensuring that their artistry continues to thrive. Handicraft fairs and exhibitions provide a platform for artisans to showcase their work and connect with world-wide audience.
Additionally, the government and various organizations Should take initiatives to provide training and skill development programs to the artists, ensuring that the craft is passed down to future generations. These efforts not only help in preserving the craft but also promoting arts across the world.
Apart of it, the government of India awarded a Geographical indication (GI) patent Right to Madhubani Paintings and the government of Bihar gave order to keep it in practice in institutions spread across Mithila region. Along with traditional themes, Madhubani artists have started including themes so that it could be kept alive.
Conclusion
From beginning to now, Madhubani painting has some unique style, which makes this art very special from other folk arts. Madhubani painting is filled with the rhythm of life. All figures and elements of this art related with each other. The painting of Madhubani is represented by line drawings filled with bright colors and contrasts or patterns. Using natural dyes and pigments, this drawing is done with a number of materials, including fingertips, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks. It is classified by its eye-catching geometric patterns. Hence, we reached at this conclusion that, we should promote artist to keep it in practice. For that, Government needs to award them for their hard-works and efforts in the form of prize, money or trophy so that they could keep motivated for this art.