Madhubani / Mithila Painting.

Madhubani, also called Mithila painting, developed within the domestic and ritual traditions of the Mithila region of Bihar. Historically women painted walls and floors for marriages, festivals and religious occasions; the practice later moved onto handmade paper, cloth and canvas and entered national and international collections. The art is recognised by strong outlines, dense decorative filling, repeated borders and symbolic imagery drawn from Hindu mythology, fertility, nature and everyday life. Distinct approaches include Bharni, Kachni, Godna, Tantrik and Kohbar traditions. Natural pigments were traditionally prepared from plants, soot, minerals and household materials, although contemporary artists may use commercial colours. For website presentation, record the artist’s village, stylistic lineage, subject, technique and whether the work follows a ritual tradition such as Kohbar or a contemporary narrative.