Madhubani Painting, Features, Style, Significance

Madhubani painting (also known as Mithila Painting) is a traditional Indian art form that originates from the Mithila region of Bihar, located in the eastern part of India. It is known for its intricate designs, vibrant colours, and rich symbolism. The style has been passed down through generations and is practised by both men and women in rural villages.

Madhubani Painting is all about decorating the ceiling and walls of the house with bright colours by women folk. This painting has a traditional art form and primitive impulse but on the other hand, it tends to create a new style in the contemporary period.

Madhubani Painting

Madhubani paintings convey the message of prosperity and abundance on the ocassion of social and religious festivals of the region. Every family or religious ritual is incomplete without a Madhubani painting. 

• Origin and History: As per legends in the Ramayana, King Janaka invited artists from Bihar to decorate his palace on the occasion of his daughter’s wedding.
  • It is mentioned in the ancient literature of Mithila, hence this is considered an ancient art.
• Nature of art: Madhubani painting is not classical art, it is a simple folk art with a simple expression of women folk. They have no written principles and instructions, their own Idea and imagination are important factors. 
  • Madhubani painting is transferred from one generation to another generation, that’s why this art survived for so long.
  • With the changes of generations, this art has adopted various new elements, which makes it fresh.
• Philosophy: Madhubani paintings are a living tradition based on the principle of dualisms. Opposites are depicted in paintings such as day or night, sun or moon, etc. They represent a holistic universe having balance. The art also includes symbols from several religious philosophies like Buddhism, tantric, Islam, and classical Hinduism.

Madhubani Painting Features

Madhubani painting is a folk art of Mithila but now this art has become famous all over India and foreign countries. Madhubani painting is filled with the rhythm of life. All figures and elements of this art are interrelated. There is a lack of interest in showing symmetry and thus the whole wall is full of designs. 

Different Styles of Madhubani painting

The following are major style Madhubani painting: 

1. ‘Bharni’ style is practiced by Brahmanas, they fill the bright colors in mythological figures and outline the figures with bold black colors.
2. ‘Kachni’ is the style of Kayastha, in their painting lines are more dominating than colours. 
3. ‘Geru and Godhna’ is the style of the lower caste.
4. Tantrik-style designs depict traditional and religious writings. These paintings traditionally feature legendary Hindu characters and are usually hung in houses.
5. Kohbar paintings are made for Hindu wedding festivities on the walls of the bride and groom’s home.

Themes of Madhubani painting

The subject matter of Madhubani painting is religious and related to nature. 

• Religious themes: Madhubani painting contains various gods and goddesses like Rama and Sita, Radha and Krishna, Shiva and Parvati, Gauri and Ganesha, Durga and Kali, Ravana, the ten avatars, the sun and the moon.
• Nature-based themes: Madhubani's painting is very much inspired by nature. It takes the motifs from nature and decoratively represents them. 
• Decorative paintings: These contain various symbols of prosperity and fertility such as elephant, lion, fish, horse, turtle, parrot, bamboo, flowers, lotus, swastika, series of circles, spirals, and footprints.
• Symbolic art: There are so many symbols, which have very deep meaning. The depiction of animals actually represents the energy and character of God.
  • Parrots symbolize love birds.
  • Turtle is the symbol of the lover’s union. 
  • Fishes are the symbol of fertility. 
  • The sun and the moon are depicted because of their life-giving qualities.
  • Lotus and bamboo as symbols of females and males.
• Strange Figures and Distortion: Distorted, strange figures are the main characteristic of Madhubani painting. Distortion gives the figures a fantastic strangeness.
  • For example, nose in the forehead, eye in the profile, receding brows, and staring eyes. 
  • In the flat background, figures are floating aimlessly and the whole composition is distorted and unrealistic.

Madhubani Paintings Colors

Color creates emotion, atmosphere, and mood, divides the space, and beautifies the background.

• Only pure colors and mostly two to five colors – green, yellow, red, black, and blue - are applied flat with no shading. 
• Madhubani paintings do not bear the realistic colors of figures, they have symbolically used the colors.
• Colors have religious influences, for example, the figure of Krishna is black.

Major Features Madhubani Paintings

• Design Style: Characterized by line drawings filled with bright, contrasting colors and intricate patterns.
• Figures: Human figures are abstract and linear, while animals are depicted naturally.
• Division of Space: Paintings are divided into horizontal and vertical sections to depict different times and places.
• Social and Royal Themes: Depicts scenes from royal courts and social gatherings.
• Geometric Patterns: Renowned for the extensive use of geometric patterns, enhancing visual appeal.
• Distorted Figures: Gods and goddesses, like Radha-Krishna and Ganesha, are often depicted with distorted or foreshortened bodies.
• Face Detailing: Faces are shown in profile with eyes painted frontally, typically added last.
• Filled Spaces: No empty space is left; areas are filled with flowers, birds, animals, and other motifs.
• Outline Technique: Double lines outline figures, with the gap filled with cross or straight tiny lines.

Artists of Madhubani Painting

Following are prominent artist of Madhubani Painting: 

1. Jagdish Chandra Jha – Known as the father of Madhubani painting, he helped popularize the art form.
2. Sita Devi – One of the first women artists to bring Madhubani paintings into the mainstream.
3. Brahmanand Devi – Renowned for her contributions to the development of Madhubani painting.
4. Ganga Devi – Famous for her intricate and vibrant depictions of folklore and mythology.
5. Kamta Prasad – Known for his detailed and traditional style, focusing on spiritual and natural themes.

Madhubani Painting UPSC PYQs

Question 1: Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (UPSC Mains 2018)

Madhubani Painting FAQs

Q1. In which state is Madhubani painting famous?

Ans. Madhubani painting is famous in the state of Bihar, India, specifically in the Mithila region.

Q2. What is the meaning of Madhubani painting?

Ans. Madhubani painting refers to a traditional art form depicting mythological, natural, and social themes, known for vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

Q3. What is the GI tag for Mithila painting?

Ans. The GI tag for Mithila painting was awarded in 2010, recognizing its unique cultural heritage and protecting its authenticity.

Q4. What are the rules of Madhubani painting?

Ans. Madhubani paintings typically use vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and symbols, with no empty spaces, often created with natural materials and traditional tools.

Q5.Who is the father of Madhubani painting?

Ans. There are five main types of Madhubani painting: Bharni, Kachni, Tarpa, Godna, and Mithila, each with distinct styles, themes, and techniques.