Exploring Mithila art

JANAKPUR, April 22: Although the importance of Mithila Art is widespread in the capital as well as elsewhere in the world, this art form is limited and hasn’t developed from the mud walls and porches of houses in the Mithila region.



This ancient art form was started by housewives, for the purposes of decorating their houses and till date, the art form is taken up mostly by women. Mithila art refers to artworks which depict the daily lifestyle of people belonging to the Mithila region. [break]





Mithila art started in 1969 in India’s Mithila Region and came to Nepal in 1990. This art form is prevalent in India and Nepal, but they are different from each other. In Nepal, this art is known as Mithila art whereas it’s known as Madhubani art in India. Although the most artworks from both the regions look similar, Madhubani art is done by sketching pictures with the help of a pen whereas Mithila art is created directly with colors. Comparatively, Mithila art requires less work. However, the demand is greater in the international market.



Chanda Kumar Sah, who grew up surrounded by Madhubani art, completed her Masters in Fine Art is now pursuing her interests in Mithila art form. Born and brought up in Bihar and married to a resident of Janakpur, Sah says that she has started to give more importance to Mithila art in her life, so that she can better embrace the culture of Janakpur.



Sah officially completed her education 10 years ago and for the past five years, has been working in Mithila arts. She has created over 50 pieces of art work, which she has managed to do in her free time, when she isn’t occupied with her household chores.



Sah’s works have been exhibited in many art exhibitions across India. Six years ago, she participated in her first exhibition in Nepal. Although Sah is impressed with the art scenario of Kathmandu, she has learnt of the international popularity of Mithila art, from the same. Hence, upon returning to Janakpur after her first exhibition in Kathmandu, Sah has devoted all her free time to creating Mithila art.



Apart from creating art work on her own, Sah has also opened her own Tulika Arts Center in Janakpur. Through this arts center, she gives out training on visual art, fine art, Mithila painting and making handicrafts.

Related story

Promoting Mithila Art