Of fading strokes and language of Mithila

Despite global acclaim, Bihar’s traditional painting cries for help amid eroding local political backing. Aashish Aryan reports from Darbhanga

- Aashish Aryan

Foran art form rediscovered by English officer William G Archer and his wife, Mildred Archer, following the devastating Nepal-Bihar earthquake of 1934, the Madhubani or Mithila painting has travelled far beyond the borders of Bihar over the past nine decades.

Practised mainly by women trained by other women, often their mothers or mothers-in-law, this labour-intensive art form takes pride in packing as many intricate details as possible on toa single canvas.

‘The painting style has found ardent admirers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who wore asaree adorned with Mithila paintings while presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26. However, most achievements in this art form have been realised without much institutional or government support, according to practising artists.