Paintings

Madhubani or Mithila Painting is a style of Indian painting practiced in Mithila region of Indian subcontinent created by tools like twigs, brushes, nib pens and match sticks including fingers, using natural dyes and pigments. It is characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns filled with bright colours and contrasts.

Madhubani art has five distinctive styles: Bharni, Kachni, Tantrik, Godna and Kohbar. Mithila paintings are an expression of a woman’s joys, sorrows, her stories, beliefs, songs and routine. The art derives its name from the village Madhubani – “the forest of honey” in Bihar where the tradition of decorating walls and floors of homes and important locations in the village were a norm since ancient times. The art form replicates the intricate relationship between humans and nature.

Legend says that King Janaka ordered for decoration of Mithila for his daughter Mithili’s marriage when the art form was used to depict life and nature and good luck for couple. This Radha Krishna Madhubani painting is a symbolic of India’s ancient mythology, rich culture and a tribute to Mother Nature.

Pattachitra derives its etymology from words Patta and Chitra meaning Cloth and Picture. The art form is traditionally practiced by painting on the cloth. The artists creating the craft are so well versed with the craft that they typically do not use any pencil or charcoal to create outlines but rather go by free hand style. Historically, the art form is known from the cult of Lord Jagannath Temple in Odisha.

This art has been famous for using natural colors and production processes. Artists devote their utmost patience and dedication in creating each painting by their own hands. They coat them with natural protective ingredients to protect from any damage.

Pattachitra has been traditionally been renowned for its intricate details and inscribed folktales and mythological narratives passed over the generations. They are also known for the multicolored manifestation of flora and fauna of the region.