Madhubani Paintings

Madhubani Paintings, also known as Godhna, Maithaili and Chaitra figure painting, originated from the Indian villages of Madhubani district and Mithila of Bihar. The rural women of 'Mithila' used to carve out their aspirations and imaginations in their mud built doors and walls. These came to be known as 'Madhubani Paintings'. Today, the style of Madhubani paintings has changed completely. Madhubani painting now adorns the décor of home interiors and art galleries.

It was the old belief of the Madhubani painting that the God visit houses in the morning to bless them with luck and prosperity. The trend of placing Madhubani painting started as a welcome painting on the walls, doors and floors for the Gods.

Madhubani painting was a decorative art till the 1960s but after the massive devastation of Bihar famine of 1964-65 people of Madhubani shifted from agriculture and other form of livelihood to Maithaili paintings. People shifted from painting on walls and falls to satin, sarees, dupattas, etc. Many people depend on Madhubani paintings for their daily necessities.

Still today, a great number of Madhubani painters, prepare a paste of cow dung and mud and apply it on their canvases to give a more authentic look to help the proper absorption of color. Madhubani is exclusively feminine school of folk painting. Madhubani paintings are based on religion and mythology. The religious themes of Madhubani paintings include Natural scenes of villages, everyday life, flora and fauna and Hindu deities like Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, Lord Shiva Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Maa Durga.