Madhubani or Maithili Paintings

First Online: September 13, 2006
Page Last Updated: November 16, 2024

Mithila is region in North India in the Bihar state of present day. Princess Sita of Ramayana epic is believed to have hailed from this region, and the arts and culture of the region figure prominently in Indian classics.

The Mithila region is also home to a unique form of women's art that depict the characters of Hindu mythologies in the most innocent of the forms. The women use inexpensive hues and primitive techniques to produce stunning paintings rich in color, character, and expression. Collectively these paintings are known as Madhubani paintings or Maithili paintings.

Here are a few paintings from our collection

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri
Krishna Teases a Maiden
Krishna Teases a Maiden
Detail from Madhubani folk painting

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri
Ardha-Narishwara  Half Man, Half Woman
Ardha-Narishwara Half Man, Half Woman
Detail from Madhubani folk painting

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri
A Madhubani Artist at Work
A Madhubani Artist at Work

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