Preparing the Canvas for Madhubani Art

Henna leaves, marigold, bougainvillea, cow dung, soot and rice powder or lime were eco-friendly materials from which artists extracted colours.

Madhubani paintings were done using colours extracted from nature.

As a part of household activity, women prepared colours sourcing them from flowers, leaves and wild berries.

Bhagwan devi extracts natural colours and pours it into a container.

The Aparajita flower is used as source for blue and is found locally.

Polo berries which are part of wild vegetation are used to get a deep red colour.

Singar ka phool of singar flower is used to obtain a yellow.

Flowers and the labour required to give a natural colour cheaper than buying industrial colours from shops, for those who are willing to make the effort.

Bhagwan Devi uses natural colours for authenticity.

The pale brown wash is spread a across the entire paper.

This style of painting is locally known as Godna. Here, a mandala is created in concentric circles.

Bhagwan Devi is the prime artist in her family although her son Remant is now an energetic and enthusiasts proponent and practitioner who travels to other countries with confidence to conduct workshops

Godna figures are usually much smaller and finer than in the Madhubani style..

Mahanama Devi and her son Ranjit Paswan belong to the Paswan community and are artists in the Godna style from Madhubani.

The style is largely limited to black ink but some colours creep in, influenced by the main Madhubani style.

Mahanama Devi still works on a few of the finely executed paintings.

She can be seen here working quietly with deep concentration, making the most intricate of drawings using her own sensibilities and innate talent.

A group of women work with Remant Kumar. He guides them to do contemporary products in the Madhubani style including painting on fabric using fabric colours.

Remant Kumar trains young girls to assist him in decorating clothing like saris and stoles.

Instead of using a nib, the girls use a brush to paint.

Colours are added after the outlines are done.

Coloured base material is often used for garments

Remant’s group consists of the newer generation as well as experienced women.

Intricate work is done by many in the group.

Read more about Madhubani art here:
-Bihar’s Madhubani art decorates its environment
-Madhubani: From personal to public spaces