What is Madhubani Painting?
Madhubani (or Mithila) painting is one of the most famous folk arts of India. Known for its vivid colors, double-line patterns, and depictions of mythology, rituals, and nature, Madhubani continues to evolve from ancient walls of Mithila homes to contemporary art galleries and fashion runways.
Background and Origins of Madhubani Art
Once hidden within the walls of village homes, today it is recognized worldwide. Here’s how this journey unfolded:
Key Milestones in Madhubani Art History
Discovery in 1934:
- After a devastating earthquake in Bihar, British officer W.G. Archer found paintings on collapsed village walls.
- He compared them to modern Western art and published them in Marg journal, drawing global attention.
Government Support in 1964:
- During a severe drought, Dr. Pupul Jayakar (Director, All India Handicrafts Board) sent artist Bhaskar Kulkarni to train women to paint on paper, fabric, and canvas — making the art more portable and marketable.
Tradition & Practice:
- Originally done by women on mud walls during rituals and festivals.
- Themes included fertility, marriage rituals, nature, and gods.
- While initially caste-specific, today both women and men across communities practice it.
Mythological Origins:
- Linked to King Janaka of Mithila, who asked women to decorate homes for Sita’s wedding in the Ramayana.
- Paintings often carried themes of fertility, divinity, and auspiciousness.
Tools & Materials:
- Traditionally used twigs, natural colors, and handmade brushes.
- Even today, many artists prefer natural pigments over synthetic paints.
Style of Madhubani Painting
Bharni Style
Bharni means filling. This is one of the most famous styles of Madhubani painting. In Madhubani painting, vibrant colors are mostly used on canvas. Mostly the enclosed areas are filled with vibrant colors like blue, yellow, pink, green, orange colors etc. and the subject is outlined in black.
Tantrik Style
Tantrik painting is distinguished from other style of Madhubani painting. It solely depicts religious texts and characters related to them. Tantrik subjects include manifestations of Maha Kali, Maha Durga, Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Ganesh along with other tantrik symbols.
Katchni Style
In this style of painting only one or two colours are used. Finest details are created and the fine pattern is made with hatching and stippling.
Godna Style
This is a simple style of Madhubani painting. Godna is commonly known as tattoo in today’s life and it was first done by Chano Devi. This style has concentric circles of flowers, field, animals, figures and spirit.
Kohbar Style
The painting which is painted on the wall of a kohbar is known as “Kohbar”. The Kohbar painting is filled with rich details, each contributing significance to the meaning of the whole.
Key Artists and Their Contributions
Madhubani painting gained global fame thanks to the pioneering efforts of women artists who safeguarded and expanded this folk tradition:
- Jagdamba Devi (Padma Shri, 1975) – The first national awardee, who brought Madhubani into the spotlight.
- Sita Devi (Padma Shri, 1981) – Took the Bharni style of Madhubani to international platforms.
- Ganga Devi (Padma Shri, 1990) – Innovated by blending traditional motifs with contemporary themes.
- Mahasundari Devi (Padma Shri, 2011) – Renowned for her expertise in Kohbar paintings.
- Bharti Dayal – A leading contemporary artist who combines Madhubani with acrylics and modern canvases.
Their legacy lives on through the next generation of artists. If you wish to learn Madhubani painting online and explore authentic artworks, check out our Catterfly Madhubani Artist
Trends and the Future of Madhubani
Madhubani art has evolved from its traditional canvas of mud walls and handmade paper to exciting modern expressions. Today, it is finding new life in diverse spaces and industries:
- Fashion & Lifestyle – The intricate motifs now adorn sarees, stoles, handbags, home décor, and even footwear, making folk art wearable and stylish.
- Public Spaces – From railway stations to government buildings and even entire train coaches, Madhubani has become a vibrant tool for cultural storytelling in public art.
- Tourism & Culture – Heritage walks, workshops, and cultural festivals in Bihar attract global visitors eager to experience this unique tradition firsthand.
- Digital Media & E-Commerce – Online exhibitions, global art collaborations, and e-commerce platforms are giving Madhubani artists worldwide recognition and reach.
Learn Madhubani Painting with Catterfly
If you’re inspired to explore this timeless art form, Catterfly offers multiple ways to learn Madhubani painting:
- Live Workshops – Interact directly with master artists in real-time, ask questions, and paint step by step.
Whether you’re a beginner or an art enthusiast, you can choose the format that suits you best and start creating your own Madhubani masterpiece.
Discover our Madhubani live workshops and masterclasses
Conclusion
From sacred walls of Mithila homes to global art exhibitions and modern fashion ramps, Madhubani painting represents resilience, creativity, and India’s cultural pride. With growing interest in art tourism, heritage preservation, and digital platforms, Madhubani is set to thrive as both a living tradition and a global art form.
