Madhubani paintings originated in the Mithila region of Nepal and India. It is practiced mainly by the women of the towns to decorate their mud huts on festive occasions. Art has been changing since ancient times and today painting has been done on canvas, cloth and paper. As time passed, the painting began to become a piece of merit and extraordinary occasions. Gradually, Indian painting crossed conventional boundaries and began to attain authorities of workmanship, both nationally and globally.
The ladies of this district have rehearsed expressions of society since the 19th century. Moms have been passing on their knowledge and lessons to their little ones and showing them the aesthetic examples and minimal colors known in the outside world.
The making
Madhubani paintings are created from natural colors such as ochre, charcoal soot, flowers, turmeric, sandalwood, apple and banyan tree leaves, and powdered rice paste. The painting is finished with the help of branches, fingers and brushes.
Painting Themes
The sitters are designed in geometric shapes. The most drawn subjects belonged to nature, such as the sun, the moon, sacred tulsi plants, flowering plants, birds and animals to fill the spaces between the images. Along with Hindu deities like Shiva, Rama, Krishna, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati During some important and auspicious events like marriages, childbirth and festivals like Holi, Diwali, Durga Pooja, Surya Pooja etc.
3 different styles of Madhubani painting
The Madhubani art form is divided into three famous styles based on their caste system.
1. Brahman: Being the highest in the caste, Brahmin ladies were allowed to design and color their paintings in bright hues. Realization of the religious portrait of god and goddesses. Due to their easy access to all the sacred texts, it was much easier for them to make religious and mythological motifs.
2. Kayastha: The Kayasthas are second in the caste system after the Brahmins. As we all know, the Kayastha are believed to be great and brave warriors. They got the style of painting and showing fertility. Animals and flowering plants, including sacred animals, birds, and plants such as the lotus, parrot, peacock, fish, and tortoise.
3. Dusadh: The third and lowest caste in the hierarchy of the caste system. The people of Dusadh were not allowed to use any kind of religious motifs in their paintings. His style of painting is also called tattoo painting or Godhana. Regular vegetation themes can be found in his specialty. Over time, as social recognition widened, they have now begun to paint themes of divine gods and goddesses. And today his use of dynamic tones is much like the Brahmin style of painting.
Advance
All known as the ladies’ craft, today’s innovative world sees a sexual orientation, moving where men are seen adding their imaginative touch to this conventional artistic expression. In the current circumstances, masters of form are reversing the rich material legacy of this workmanship and resurrecting this craft by outlining Madhubani saris, dupattas and Indo-Western dresses.
In various fashion weeks, designers have showcased a collection filled with shades of Madhubani’s contours. From saris, salwar kameez, long skirts and palazzo jeans are wonderfully planned in Madhubani workmanship.
Unsurprisingly, this craft was made to beautify and add nuance to homes. In any case, with the evolution of the times, it is now done even on high-quality papier-mâché pieces and dividing works of art. Paper holders, magazine box, games like Ludo and ornament boxes made of papier-mâché, bookmarks, stamps and wall hangings are painted with Madhubani outlines.
Investment of foreign scholars in the promotion of Madhubani painting
Foreign scholars have played an important role in advancing artistic painting globally and it was also gigantic. The first person to visit Mithila and promote the art was French journalist and author Yves Vequad, in the mid-1970s. Exploring him created a book and film, The Ladies Painters of Mithila. He was soon followed by the German anthropologist and folklorist Erika Moser. Moser and Raymond Lee Owens, an American who created the Mithila Master Crafts Association in 1977. The association still operates and gives Mithila craftsmen a standard salary through introductions and deals with pickers and craft shows . In Japan, there is a gallery called ‘Mithila Historical Center’ which has over 850 Madhubani artworks.
fascinating news
The legacy of Madhubani workmanship is no less than 2,500 years old; However, it is during the last decade that this craft has greatly improved its quality and is being praised in the design world. The specialty of Madhubani paintings and the creativity of the artist is recognized in India as the most appreciated by people all over the world.