Madhubani painting: A form of art that originated in Mithila  

Painting is a way for people to express themselves. In the Indian context, art came into being when human beings used twigs, fingers, or bone points to paint on a mud surface that could not withstand time. Madhubani painting, also referred as Mithila painting, is a type of Indian painting, practised in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. This form of art is characterised by eye-catching geometrical designs and natural dyes and pigments. ‘Madhubani’ literally translates to ‘honey forest’. The name is derived from the Madhubani district of Bihar's Mithila region. 

Where did Madhubani paintings originate from? 
The exact origin of Madhubani paintings is difficult to track. However, it is believed that king Janak, the ruler of Mithila kingdom in the 8th or 7th century BCE, had requested these paintings to be made by an artist in order to commemorate the events of his daughter Sita's wedding to Prince Rama. Later on, during festivals, ceremonies, or special events, women would make these paintings on the walls and floors of their homes. 

Who discovered Madhubani paintings for the first time? 
When a huge earthquake struck Bihar in 1934, William G. Archer, a British colonial officer of the Madhubani district, discovered the Madhubani painting heritage. He chanced upon these artworks on the inside walls of some residences.  

Madhubani paintings were first commercialised in 1962 CE, when a foreign artist passing through Madhubani town was drawn to the paintings. He convinced women to paint the same pictures on paper so he could take them back to his homeland and exhibit them. The concept became a huge hit, and Madhubani paintings began to be sold commercially. Since then, the art of painting has evolved in a variety of ways. 

What are the themes and colours used in Madhubani paintings? 
The themes of the paintings vary based on the function or event for which they are created. The central theme, though, is love and fertility. The paintings depict all of the deities of Hindu pantheon as well as local traditions. Bride surrounded by fish and other auspicious symbols, bridegroom wearing his nuptial crown, hunting and ploughing sceneries, trees, animals, etc., are some of the most popular topics.   

How are Madhubani paintings done? 
The surface of the painting is covered in thin layers of mud and cow manure. It's a preservative as well as a strengthening agent. It is seen to be auspicious and a sign of good fortune. Images are made with powdered rice and paint applied with fingertips, bamboo twigs, cotton rags, and, more recently, pens. In traditional Madhubani paintings, no white space is left. It's decorated with flowers, birds, animals, and tattoo designs, among other things.  

What do the Madhubani paintings signify? 
Madhubani paintings are among the most well-known forms of art in the world. Mithila's popular art reflects the creativity and sensitivity of the people there. Like all folk art, it represents the culture to which it belongs. In other words, it reflects the region's morals, values, and customs in a unique way.  These paintings are mostly created by Mithila women, and hence have a significant symbolic value in a male-dominated society.