Folk Paintings

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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
• 
  

  

  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
• 
  

  

  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
• 
  

  

  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
• 
  

  

  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
• 
  

  

  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
• 
  

  

  The origin of Madhubani or Mithila art from India is shrouded in antiquity and Indian mythology. This art form is created traditionally by women of villages around the present towns of Madhubani, Darbhanga and other areas of Mithila, in India. Historically this art was created in the form of paintings on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now Madhubani artists as they are called have graduated to other mediums like cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice and the colors used are derived from various plants. This art form is one of the most authentic organic art forms.
  
  Madhubani art depicts mythological themes such as Indian deities from ancient epics, figures from nature like the sun, moon, plants like the tulsi; and social events like weddings along with scenes from historical Indian courtrooms. Generally no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds, and even geometric designs. This art is a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace.
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  One of the most ancient craft form of the world, etching and painting on a palm leaf still thrives in the state of Orissa in India. Tala-patra-chitra (palm-leaf illustration) is also known as Chitra-pothi. This art uses the ancient technique of manuscript engraving on palm-leaf strips to create illustrated panels that can be framed as art. The semi dried palm leaves are first dried and then treated with special oil to preserve it over the time. Multiple palm leaves are then stitched together, after which etching is done within lines using a stylus on leaf strips. A paste made of bean leaves, charcoal from burnt coconut shell, til oil and turmeric is rubbed on the etching that highlights the figure. Only vegetable and mineral colors are used for the paintings. The artist captures the theme of mythological incidents and also presents excellent scenes of nature.
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  One of the most ancient craft form of the world, etching and painting on a palm leaf still thrives in the state of Orissa in India. Tala-patra-chitra (palm-leaf illustration) is also known as Chitra-pothi. This art uses the ancient technique of manuscript engraving on palm-leaf strips to create illustrated panels that can be framed as art. The semi dried palm leaves are first dried and then treated with special oil to preserve it over the time. Multiple palm leaves are then stitched together, after which etching is done within lines using a stylus on leaf strips. A paste made of bean leaves, charcoal from burnt coconut shell, til oil and turmeric is rubbed on the etching that highlights the figure. Only vegetable and mineral colors are used for the paintings. The artist captures the theme of mythological incidents and also presents excellent scenes of nature.
• 
  

  

  One of the most ancient craft form of the world, etching and painting on a palm leaf still thrives in the state of Orissa in India. Tala-patra-chitra (palm-leaf illustration) is also known as Chitra-pothi. This art uses the ancient technique of manuscript engraving on palm-leaf strips to create illustrated panels that can be framed as art. The semi dried palm leaves are first dried and then treated with special oil to preserve it over the time. Multiple palm leaves are then stitched together, after which etching is done within lines using a stylus on leaf strips. A paste made of bean leaves, charcoal from burnt coconut shell, til oil and turmeric is rubbed on the etching that highlights the figure. Only vegetable and mineral colors are used for the paintings. The artist captures the theme of mythological incidents and also presents excellent scenes of nature.
• 
  

  

  One of the most ancient craft form of the world, etching and painting on a palm leaf still thrives in the state of Orissa in India. Tala-patra-chitra (palm-leaf illustration) is also known as Chitra-pothi. This art uses the ancient technique of manuscript engraving on palm-leaf strips to create illustrated panels that can be framed as art. The semi dried palm leaves are first dried and then treated with special oil to preserve it over the time. Multiple palm leaves are then stitched together, after which etching is done within lines using a stylus on leaf strips. A paste made of bean leaves, charcoal from burnt coconut shell, til oil and turmeric is rubbed on the etching that highlights the figure. Only vegetable and mineral colors are used for the paintings. The artist captures the theme of mythological incidents and also presents excellent scenes of nature.
• 
  

  

  One of the most ancient craft form of the world, etching and painting on a palm leaf still thrives in the state of Orissa in India. Tala-patra-chitra (palm-leaf illustration) is also known as Chitra-pothi. This art uses the ancient technique of manuscript engraving on palm-leaf strips to create illustrated panels that can be framed as art. The semi dried palm leaves are first dried and then treated with special oil to preserve it over the time. Multiple palm leaves are then stitched together, after which etching is done within lines using a stylus on leaf strips. A paste made of bean leaves, charcoal from burnt coconut shell, til oil and turmeric is rubbed on the etching that highlights the figure. Only vegetable and mineral colors are used for the paintings. The artist captures the theme of mythological incidents and also presents excellent scenes of nature.
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  Patachitra painting is one of the most engrossing art forms of the eastern states of India in Orissa and West Bengal. The whole process of a pattachitra painting is intense and extends over several days. Soft cotton clothes or old cotton sarees are treated with tamarind seed paste, chalk and herbal glue to make it hard. Once the cloth is dried and hard polish is done by using a rough stone and then soft stone then the "patta' or canvas is ready for the painting. Only vegetable and natural colors from plants stem, leaves, flowers and colored stones are used for the paintings. Once the painting is ready the patta is given a lacquer coating to protect it from different weather condition and making it glossy. The paintings depict the stories from Indian mythology.
• 
  

  

  Patachitra painting is one of the most engrossing art forms of the eastern states of India in Orissa and West Bengal. The whole process of a pattachitra painting is intense and extends over several days. Soft cotton clothes or old cotton sarees are treated with tamarind seed paste, chalk and herbal glue to make it hard. Once the cloth is dried and hard polish is done by using a rough stone and then soft stone then the "patta' or canvas is ready for the painting. Only vegetable and natural colors from plants stem, leaves, flowers and colored stones are used for the paintings. Once the painting is ready the patta is given a lacquer coating to protect it from different weather condition and making it glossy. The paintings depict the stories from Indian mythology.