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Traditional paintings are highly admired and in demand owing to their aesthetically appealing visuals and profound meaning that is rooted.

Ancient art forms are an example of how rich the heritage of artistry is. India has its own legacy of traditional art forms.

The Indian traditional paintings are known to amaze the viewer’s mind owing to the simplicity and exquisiteness that reside side by side.

In this blog, we are going to talk about one such exclusive art; the Madhubani art also known as Mithila art.

The intricate Madhubani painting designs characterized by geometric patterns made them a treat to watch.

What is more amazing? The back story of Madhubani art form.

It all started when Lord Rama was getting married to the daughter of King Janak (from Mithila state), Sita. Raja Janak ordered the local artisans to adorn the palace with the best of artworks.

The result was the generation of one of the appalling pieces of traditional paintings names as Madhubani.

Why are Madhubani paintings so popular?

Although there more than one reason to love traditional Indian paintings, Madhubani paintings are especially adored for their dazzling themes.

The artists used to craft these paintings with the theme focused on Hindu deities such as Rama, Krishna, Durga, Saraswati, and Durga.

Madhubani paintings were also focused on natural subject matters such as Sun, Moon and the plant ‘tulsi’.

The social gatherings in the palace and the royal courts were also showcased in Madhubani paintings.

These paintings were carved by artists using fingers, brushes, nib-pens, twigs, and matchsticks.

Initially painted on the mudwalls of freshly plastered huts, modern Madhubani painting is done on paper, canvas, cloth, and even bangles and other accessories.

Madhubani Indian Paintings

Different Themes of Madhubani Paintings

As said, Madhubani Paintings were designed on various themes. The varied themes are:

Religious subject matter

Madhubani artists were highly influenced by the Hindu deities and hence was seen in the paintings. This was perhaps one of the most famed themes of these traditional paintings.

You can still find some impeccably looking artworks that depict the legends or moments from the tales of deities such as Shiv, Ram, Krishna, Durga and so on.

Natural subject matter

The Madhubani paintings were also known for their themes based on natural subjects such as the moon, flowers, sun, plants, birds, and so on.

Madhubani artists were known to utilize the processed organic colours made from charcoal, turmeric, flowers, rice powder, cow dung, leaves, plants, sandalwood, and indigo.

The simplicity and the exquisiteness of these artworks kept them close to the earth and far from the elite class.

Presently also you can see the grace of these paintings, the elegance of sketching and the charisma of Madhubani paintings in the nearest art gallery.

Poetic and Tantric Connection

As per some art experts, the original Madhubani paintings were related to the tantric culture of ancient India.

There has been no proof of such stories, but the Mithila region of Bihar was known for the tantric culture all along.

Read More: Overview of Madhubani Paintings

Along with this, if you would read the work of poet Vidyapati, the relation of tantric culture and Madhubani paintings is mentioned there.

Whatever it is, these paintings are carrying forward the artistic legacy of our nation, and we cannot be more proud.