MADHUBANI

 Bihar has a rich historical past. From the Mauryas to the Guptas, from Gautam Budhha to the Tirthankaras, history have influenced and enriched various arts and crafts throughout generations.
The rich heritage of art and crafts has been preserved in various forms. Pottery, wooden articles, metal wares, stone wares, jewelry, lacquer works, kashida, sikki and moonj wares, wooden and clay toys, zari, artistic textile fabrics and printing on cloth are some of them, which are known in Indian as well as international markets for their artistic beauties and innovations.

 Madhubani paintings as the name says get its name from Mithila region of Bihar where it is widely practised particularly by women. The history of Madhubani paintings goes back to the time of Ramayana.
The paintings were traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now they are also done on cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice. Madhubani painting has remained confined to a compact geographical area and the skills have been passed on through centuries, the content and the style have largely remained the same. Thus, Madhubani painting has received GI (Geographical Indication) status.