Indian art is rich in traditions that reach back hundreds of thousands of years and may establish a significant connection to our cultural heritage. Madhubani artwork, which professes roots in Indian mythology and derives its name from its geographical location in northern Bihar, is one of the most famous traditional art styles. Madhubani paintings are among the few  long-established art styles that have withstood the test of time and continue to thrive.

Traditionally, women would create captivating designs of Madhubani art on the walls of hamlet houses. It was a ritual that was thought to bring the newlyweds luck and riches. There is not a single blank place in the Mithila paintings. Artists will fill the space with flora, fauna, and geometric patterns if there is an empty space.

A saree epitomises Indian culture more than any other garment; they symbolise our country’s most potent and adaptable fashion staple.

Brush strokes in spectacular colour patterns and vivid presentation are examples of the artist’s sparkling vision. Madhubani sarees express the wearer’s taste and fashion sense. These sarees, available in vivid colours and patterns and subdued in traditional colours, recreate the aura of exceptional artists. Authentic Madhubani sarees are painted manually by artists. The artists use brushes, twigs, nibbed pens, matchsticks and their fingers to depict various kinds of intricate designs that are praiseworthy.

Some of the best artwork is carved on the pallus and fringes of Madhubani sarees. The designs are carved using natural dyes obtained from elements such as turmeric, indigo, rice, etc., to offer you a magnificent masterpiece to wrap yourself in. These sarees have a timeless charm due to their complex motifs and rich artistry. These sarees are appropriate for every event; they may be worn for a semi-formal occasion, formal wear or even on a date.

The sarees are now also produced by precisely printing the gorgeous Madhubani patterns on fabrics, which has simplified the production of these exquisite sarees. The great thing about Madhubani sarees these days is that they have been brilliantly blended with contemporary design, allowing the stunning art to evolve and improve with the current style.

The ladies in the hamlet who perform this art form utilise it to raise awareness about social concerns and to empower women. Madhubani art is a significant aspect of people’s lives in modern-day Bihar.

Due to their exceptional artistic skill, the ladies of the Mithila area have established their work as a source of cultural interest that transcends national boundaries. Politicians and government officials took the initiative to make the art more widely known to increase their financial rewards. They achieved this by convincing female artists to create analogous works of art on paper, which eventually gave rise to the idea of commercialising their creations for a global market.

The latest endeavours by the regional government, NGOs, and cultural organisations have increased the popularity and acclaim of Madhubani art. Many fashion designers have introduced collections of Madhubani designs, which include traditional clothing like sarees, stoles, skirts etc., in their collection that is exquisitely crafted in Madhubani art. Other frequently used items, such as backpacks, journals, etc., are commonly painted in Mithila art and seem to be highly well-liked.

Conclusion

Unlike many indigenous artistic expressions that have faded, let us open our hearts to Madhubani to preserve its rich history and beauty for future generations. We hope to inspire a new generation of Madhubani art and product lovers.

 Bibliography

  • Thakur, Prof. Vijay Kumar. Mithila – Maithili : A Historical Analysis. Maithili Academy, Patna, 2016
  • Jha, Prof. Kamal Kant. Mithila Gauravshalini (The Glorious Mithila). Amrit Book Publications, 2018
  • Madhubani- Google arts & Culture