Mithilanchal: A picture of rich culture and decay

Mithilanchal, culturally Bihar's most distinctive region and steeped in lavish grandeur of yesteryear, is now in a state of advanced decay.

- ADITI PHADNIS

Its riches are untold. It has its own language, Maithili; its own poetry in the songs of medieval poet Vidyapati and the contemporary revolutionary poetry of Nagarjun, who was born here and lived here for much of his life. Nagarjun's poem "Akaal aur uske baad" is just eight lines but captures hunger vividly. The Madhubani style of painting is part of ritual and folklore. The region even has its distinct classical music style of Dhrupad, a meditative and spiritual form. But this is largely the result of past investment supported by feudal leaders like the Maharaja of Darbhanga the investment that has been allowed to wither away on the vine and die.