Madhubani painting is famous for its vibrant, decorative and complicated style. The word "Madhubani" or "Madhuban" literally means a place where honeybees abound or a lot of flowers are found. Madhubani art is a classical art form of Mithila region. It is one of the most popular styles of painting in India.
Madhubani art is a form of Indian painting which originated in Mithila region of Bihar. The roots of this art go as far as the Ramayana, the Indian epic. Madhubani art can be traced back to two Ravi Verma paintings.
Madhubani paintings are highly popular and sought after because of certain characteristics which differentiate it from the traditional Indian art forms. It has brought together the tribal arts and extraordinary craftsmanship, mostly done by women who work on cloth, paper and walls. Their bold and earthy colours create a perfect background for the simple but elegant forms created within them.
Madhubani paintings are usually ornamental which include patterns, floral and animal motifs painted using vegetable dyes. It is generally done with natural colours like yellow, brown, red, green, etc. Madhubani paintings are usually done on cloth but can be executed on paper as well.
The ancient culture of Madhubani painting is known for its women artists who use their hands as the primary paint brush. The beautiful paintings are done on walls in houses, and have been passed on from generation to generation. The colours used in these paintings are natural extracts from plants and other natural sources. It is the combination of these colours that makes an artwork stand out in its realism and vibrancy.
Paintings from Bihar are known for their distinct style and subject matter. Paintings of the villages of Madhubani, which was once the capital of the Mithila region, are one of the most popular forms of body painting in India. Often called Madhubani paintings, these give an insight into the Hindu cosmology, depicting the life of Hindu deities like Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi, Shiva and other mythological characters.