India's cultural heritage is very rich, and Madhubani is a traditional art that showcases its creativity. Madhubani painting is a traditional folk art of the Bihar region, particularly in a place near Darbhanga district known as Madhubani, meaning "Forest of Honey." The Mithilanchal region, including places like Jetwarpur, Ranti, Rasidpur, Bacchi, and Rajangarh, is renowned for this beautiful traditional folk art, commonly referred to as Madhubani painting or Mithila Art.

The attributes characterizing nearly all Madhubani paintings include:

Madhubani art is typically created by filling colors with a brush, utilizing techniques such as filling or hatching. Hatching involves the use of lines in the paintings. Traditionally, women of the region have been the primary artists, although men are also involved today to meet the demand.

These paintings gain popularity for their tribal motifs and the use of bright earthy colors.

Madhubani paintings are known for their vibrant and bold use of colors, incorporating traditional geometric patterns that support the main theme.

Key attributes of Madhubani paintings include a double-line border, ornate floral patterns, abstract-like figures of deities, and distinctive features like bulging eyes and a prominent nose on the faces of the figures.

Artists use mineral pigments prepared by themselves, and the work is done on freshly plastered or mud walls.
  • Abstract-like figures, of deities or human. Scenes of royal courts and social events such as celebration of wedding are also beautifully depicted in Madhubani paintings.


  • The main categories in Madhubani paintings are: Traditional, Monochrome, Tattoo, Contemporary, Animals and Birds.


  • You can even find beautiful Madhubani paintings of sun, moon and tulsi or the sacred basil plant revered very much by the Hindus. Scenes of royal courts and social events such as celebration of wedding are also beautifully depicted in Madhubani paintings.


Symbols used in madhubani paintings


The highly symbolic paintings were used "Khobargas" (Bridal Chambora) where couples spent the first few days of the married life. Here there will be divine couples like Shiva-Parvati, Radha-Krishna.


Animal Forms


There are images of birds & animals with natural phenomena. Then sign of fertility & prosperity for good luck like elephant, fishes, tortoise, parrots, pea-cocks etc.


Human Forms


In this paintings include various Gods & Goddesses. The subject matter varies according to the occasion. God Goddess such as Vishnu-Lakshmi, Shiva-Parvathi, Rama-Sita, Krishna-radha etc.


Other Forms


In other forms, the flora, fauna, myth & legend, social customs & expressions giving ritualistic symbols are painted. In these paintings include flower (lotus, tree, bamboo, forest etc).


Materials Used


The raw materials used for this painting are papers, satin cloth, fabric cloth, cotton, cloth etc. Recently, the artists have expanded their work to show works of social criticism, feminist issues, and national and international events. Paints made with natural pigments and vegetable colours are increasingly replaced by ready-made paints and markers. For painting on paper, they use natural colours and natural powders (holi powder), which are locally abstracted. On walls and cloth, they use fabric colours.


Though this folk art has been practised for centuries, it started to gain national recognition only in the last few decades. The modern day Madhubani artist now enjoys a wider audience and increased commerce as designers and interior decorators have used Madhubani style embroidery to adorn apparel and home furnishing products too. Madhubani succeeded in making a place for itself in the international house of fame and is currently recognized world wide. The Government of India is additionally paying its tribute by beginning coaching programs educating folks on Madhubani paintings. In simple words, the Madhubani paintings are the depictions of true India.


The author is a Faculty with Satyam Fashion Institute at Noida.