India and art have been rooted together since ancient times. Carrying the treasure of ancestors in style through alluring art pieces is an intriguing journey. Amidst the vast cultural diversity, authentic art unites and shines high with its unreal beauty. A common thread among the rich tapestry of India is the purpose of capturing moments, day-to-day life, stories, epics, and devotional perspectives through art.
Different states convey an aspect through their ethnic way, style and cultural art. The Madhubani art captured hearts and attention in unison among such unique artistic heritage. Additionally, it also made a notable difference in India’s history.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the exciting journey embarked on by the magnificent Madhubani art.
What is Madhubani art?
From the beginning, let’s understand what ‘Madhubani’ means- Madhu means honey and bani means forest, it is also known as Mithila paintings. Deriving from the region of Madhuban, Bihar, Madhubani art has taken everyone by storm with its intricate designs and eye-catching art style.
This art was popular due to its ability to capture the moment’s essence in its most authentic form. Some glimpses captured in Madhubani art form were of Ramayana, weddings, devotional stories and other epics.
These magnificent art pieces were usually given to newlyweds, as Madhubani symbolises love and fertility. It is made on mud walls and floors for auspicious occasions and celebrations.
At the beginning of the elite trend of Madhubani art, these mesmerising art scriptures were traditionally made by women of Brahman and Kayastha caste. Madhubani art is closely knit with Mithila culture. With the rise in demand for Madhubani art, the Mithila Art School in Bihar also contributes significantly to preserving rich cultural treasures.
How is it made?
The magical art is brought to real life with a specific recipe that makes it stand out.
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Initially, bamboo sticks were used as paint brushes, and paints were made from natural materials.
Blue: This colour is formed with the juice of Aparajita flowers.
Pink: This colour is formed with bougainvillaea.
Green: This colour is formed from flat bean leaves.
Yellow: This colour is made from Tumeric.
White: This colour is made from rice powder.
Black: This colour is obtained from the blend of charcoal and water, primarily for drawing outlines.
Treating the paper with cow dung before commencing with the Madhuban art journey is crucial, so the art’s natural colour pigmentation stands the test of time.
Where did the Journey of Madhubani Art Begin:
Descending its ethereal impact from one of the most iconic places of Ramayana, Madhubani art has come a long way. The ultimate trend begins in the birthplace of Goddes Sita, the Mithla region. During the grand wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, King Janak employed Madhubani artists to capture the Royal wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita to be remembered and preserved. Madhubani paintings are still practised in Mithila, Nepal and Madhuban, Bihar.
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Types of Madhubani Art Style:
There are five different types of Madhubani art style, which are as follows:
1. Bharni:
The word signifies “Bharni,” which means fulfilled. In this art style, the intricate designs are more filling and usually depict Hindu gods.
2. Katchni:
Katchni style is famous for its distinctive, unique style. In this art style, mainly monochrome or only two colours are used to capture elements of nature.
3. Tantrik:
In this art style, the religious text is captured very precisely as this art style is commonly used on special occasions with prayers.
4. Godna:
Chanu Devi discovered this art style. It is made from a pen made out of bamboo and kajal.
5. Kohbar:
This mesmerising art piece is famous for depicting Hindu weddings and special occasions. It is usually gifted to the bride and groom for their weddings.
The Distinctive Features of Madhubani Art:
Among the pool of art havens, how do you recognise Madhubani art?
Here are some distinguishing features of Madhubani art that make it apart from everything else:
Vibrant Colours:
Vibrant colour is one of the most recognisable features of Madhubani art. Colours such as red, yellow, green, and blue are primarily used to make Madhubani the art it is today.
Double Outline:
Madhubani art exhilarates its uniqueness with simplicity. When the art is double-outlined in a parallel way, it’s a sign reminiscent of duality in nature.
Unique Motifs:
Madhubani art prides itself on unique motifs, including elements of nature, Hindu gods, daily life elements, and Hindu weddings.
Intricate Designs:
One eye-catching feature that makes Madhubani art recognisable is its quirky, intricate, detailed designs.
The Icons of Madhubani Art:
From the great king Janak commissioning Madhubani artists to capture a moment that would be remembered in the years to come to artists taking its presence worldwide, Madhubani art has made an enormous impact artistically and historically.
Many artists have made a difference in preserving this folk art, such as:
Mahasundari Devi:
Also regarded as the ‘Mother of Madhubani art’, she contributed significantly to spreading the art of Madhubani painting worldwide. She has also been rewarded with the remarkable Padma Shri, Tulsi, Shilip Guru, and National state awards.
Sita Devi:
Sita Devi was one of the most prominent and famous artists in the history of Madhubani art. She taught Madhubani art to the residents, commonly women, to encourage them to have financial independence.
How Did Madhubani Art Made a Difference in India?
Madhubani art has made a difference not only because of its visually pleasing features but also historically and environmentally.
Let’s learn more about it:
In 1934, Nepal and India were hit with natural calamities. During the worst hours, the magistrate, Bill Archer of Madhuban, Bihar, noticed an eclectic piece of beauty amongst the chaos. Later, he wrote an article that helped Madhubani art gain popularity worldwide and opened a path to financial income amidst the sorrow and confusion of natural calamities.
In 2012, Madhubani art saved over 100 trees.
How you may ask?
Madhubani art was painted over these trees and they weren’t cut down as they included the elements of Hindu gods, and it would have been considered disrespectful to cut them.
How can you preserve, carry, and infuse the transcending Madhubani art into your homes?
As time passed, Madhubani art was captured in canvas, wallpapers and blinds, where you can taste the perseverance of culture embedded into your walls. With Magic Decor’s premium wallpapers, you can infuse any Madhubani art and honour the essence of Bihar and Mithila into your homes.
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