Madhubani painting began on walls and floors, painted for festivals and weddings in the homes of Mithila.
A tradition of the home
For generations, women in Mithila painted the walls of their homes for special occasions, especially the kohbar, the room where a newly married couple first stays. Over time, the paintings moved onto paper and cloth, and the tradition became known by the name of the Madhubani district. Madhubani painting carries a Geographical Indication tag.
What you’ll see
Fish, peacocks, lotus, bamboo, the sun and the moon, gods and goddesses, and scenes from village life. Every space is filled, with borders of fine lines and repeated patterns.
Line and colour
Some styles are built from fine lines alone, like kachni; others fill the shapes with bold colour, like bharni. Each painting is made by hand, so no two are the same.