Painting of Bihar

Famous paintings of Bihar :

Madhubani paintings : It is an indigenous art form of Bihar. Nature is the prominent theme of these paintings. Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Parvati, Saraswati are the main topics of these paintings. Celestial objects like sun and moon have found their place in these paintings. Folk themes, mythological stories are also the themes of Madhubani paintings. Love and fertility are also the important motifs of these paintings.The women folk particularly takes initiative in painting of Bihar. The folk painting has been handed down from generation to generation. The chief exponents of Madhubani paintings are Maithili Brahmins and Kayasthas. The colors used in Madhubani paintings range from vibrant red, yellow, brown, black, green. Primary colors like black and white are also extensively used.The traditional Mithili paintings are painted on the walls and floor of the houses to make them beautiful and attractive. During the last half of 1960s the wall and floor paintings were transferred to hand made paper.

Patna Qalam is a popular painting of Bihar. The art form traces its source to Humayun's exile to Persia. The emperor brought with him Persian artists to illustrate Dastan – i- Amir Hamza.

Godhana painting : Animals and plants are the main motifs of this type of painting of Bihar.

Several national and international exhibitions of painting of Bihar have increased the popularity of the art form.

For further information on Living Cultures in Bihar refer to our website www.livingculturesofindia.com