Bihar

• 18 Feb 2025

Madhubani Painting

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister of India gifted a wooden railway toy set and a jigsaw puzzle based on Indian folk art to US Vice President J D Vance’s Kids in France during his two-day visit to the European country.  

Key Points  

• About the Gifts: 
  • Wooden Railway Toy:  
    • Crafted from natural wood and painted with eco-friendly vegetable dyes, this toy ensures child safety and environmental awareness.  
    • This wooden railway toy was described as "a timeless classic" that combines nostalgia with sustainability. 
• Jigsaw Puzzle:  
  • It depicts the rich art heritage of India by incorporating various folk painting styles like Kalighat art of West Bengal, Santhal paintings of Santhal tribe and Madhubani paintings of Bihar. 
• Wooden Alphabet Set: 
  • It is a durable, safe, and engaging learning tool, which enhances skills and cognitive abilities.

 

 Madhubani Art  

 

• Origin:  
  • Madhubani painting originated in the Mithila region of Bihar . 
  • This painting is one of the oldest and most famous Indian art forms, which is also practiced in Nepal. 
  • Traces of Madhubani art can also be seen in the Indian epic Ramayana. 
  • It is also known as Mithila or Madhubani art. 
• Features:  
  • These paintings are popular due to their tribal motifs and use of bright earthy colours. 
  • Traditionally village women used to draw these paintings on the walls of their homes as a display of their feelings, hopes and thoughts. 
• Style: 
  • It includes geometric patterns, floral, animal and bird motifs. 
• Colours:  
  • The colours used in the paintings are made from natural extracts obtained from plants and other natural sources.  
  • For example: black colour is made by mixing soot with cow dung; blue colour is made from indigo; white colour is made from rice powder; orange colour is made from palash flowers, etc.