Mithila paintings are famous the world over for their intricate
designs and motifs. The origin of the Mithila painting seems
very ancient, although it is impossible to exact its date
of origin.
The studies about tribal art tend to show formal similarities
with the ancient drawings found in some grottos. Thus the
origin of some of the motifs still used by the tribal communities
has roots from very ancient times.
The Feminine Realm
The women of Mithila are largely illiterate and these
exquisite paintings created for ritual ocassions are a means
of their cultural expression. They cover their courtyard
walls in abstract images in brilliant colours.
Considered to be a communal activity, in which women are
allowed to assist, these folk paintings are the domain of
the women of the region. Young girls are encouraged to learn
the art in their childhood. This enables them to learn early
and pick up the tricks of the trade.
Mythological Themes
The theme of these paintings mainly revolves around the
mythological characters. Rarely does one see them without
religious implication. The paintings are largely devoted
to female deities Durga, Kali and Gauri. Goddess Durga atop
her tiger is a common representation. Lakshmi, the Hindu
Goddess of wealth, is a newer and common addition to the
repertoire of Mithila symbolism.
Among the male deities Ganesha, Krishna and Shiva are more
commonly depicted. Trees, birds and animals are extensively
used in combination with other ritual and religious paintings.
Probably the most powerful symbolism is the one associated
with Duragoman Puren. The snake goddess is also very often
depicted in the paintings.
In The Backdrop of a Wedding
The art of Mithila is linked to religious ceremonies,
particularly marriage and its consequence, procreation.
The bride and groom are pulled away by the women for their
own ceremonies devoted to ‘Gauri’ in which men
other than the groom are forbidden. Gauri is the goddess
to whom the bride has prayed since childhood to bring her
a good husband. These ceremonies are performed in courtyards
before painted images of the goddesses. The function of
the paintings being ritualistic, the art is very symbolic.
The Art Made Famous
The women of Mithila, who are highly talented in their
art, have made the art of this region a subject of artistic
acclaim, the world over. Realising the artistic worth of
the paintings, in the 1960s, some local officials took the
initiative to popularise the art by making the women put
some of their paintings on paper, which finally led the
creation of a worldwide market for their creations.
It is a mild irony in Mithila that the fame of the women
has surpassed that of the men, because Mithila Art, otherwise
known as Madhubani Paintings also, is now recognised throughout
the world.
