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Writer's pictureShivkala S

Madhubani

In Indian cultural tradition, the origin of Madhubani art is connected to the marriage of Devi Sita, the wife of Sri Rama and the daughter of Mithila’s king Janaka. It is believed that on the occasion of his daughter’s marriage, Raja Janaka ordered artists from the Mithila region to create artworks that came to form the first examples of Madhubani art. In dating, cultural and religious beliefs shroud the historical age of this form of folk art.



Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting is done with fingers, nib-pens, twigs, and matchsticks. The eye catching paintings are for every occasion and festivals. Most of the Madhubani paintings depict men and its association with nature, and scenes & deity from ancient epics.


Cow dung and soot are mixed to get black, indigo is used for blue, rice powder gives the white shade, red sandalwood or Kusam flower gives a red color, and leaves are used to obtain green. Palash flowers give the fiery orange, turmeric, pollen, and lime with the leaf extract of the Banayan tree is used to extract yellow.


Two common styles of Madhubani paintings are Bharni and Katchni, based on the degree of complexity and use of colors by the artist. Bharni style of Madhubani employs a greater degree of intricate designs that create mesmeric forms on the canvas, while the Katchni style uses one or two colors and follows a simpler pattern scheme.


At Things Etc we curate art pieces for various mediums. From paintings to wall art to having Madhubani paintings on daily utility products.


Let us know how you would like your next gifts to be curated in the traditional art form.


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