History

The Mithila Painting is a very ancient painting art but the exact time when Mithila Painting art originated is not known. According to local mythology, the origin can be traced to the time of the Ramayana, when King Janaka of Nepal ordered his kingdom to decorate the town for the wedding of his daughter, Sita, to Lord Rama. The ancient tradition of elaborate wall paintings or Bhitti-Chitra in Nepal and Bihar played a major role in the emergence of this new art form. The original inspiration for Madhubani art emerged from women’s craving for religiousness and an intense desire to be one with God. With the belief that painting something divine would achieve that desire, women began to paint pictures of gods and goddesses with an interpretation so divine that captured the hearts of many.

Madhubani, which has two roots "Madhu "& "Ban" means Forest of Honey, (‘Madhu’-honey, ‘Ban’- forest or woods) is a region in Mithila region of Nepal and the northern part of Bihar.Madhubani painting/Mithila painting was traditionally created by the women of the Brahman, Dusadh and Kayastha communities in Mithila region in Nepal and India. It was originated in Madhubani village of Capital city of Ancient Mithila known as Janakpur (presently in Nepal).

Old Mithila Paintings: