The Madhubani style of painting originated in which state?

Madhubani painting, also called Mithila painting, comes from the Mithila region of northern Bihar (and the neighbouring Terai of Nepal). The name comes from Madhubani district, which is the main centre of the art today.

Traditionally, Madhubani paintings were made by women on the freshly plastered mud walls and floors of their homes for festivals and ceremonies, especially weddings. A special painting called the "kohbar" was made in the marriage chamber, with symbols of love and fertility such as the lotus, bamboo, fish and parrots. According to legend, the art began when King Janaka asked artists to decorate his kingdom for the wedding of his daughter Sita with Lord Rama.

Features of Madhubani painting:

• Bold outlines and bright natural colours, made from plants and minerals (such as turmeric, indigo, lamp soot and flowers).
• No empty space; the background is filled with flowers, animals, birds and geometric designs.
• Themes include Hindu gods and goddesses (Krishna, Rama-Sita, Durga), nature, the sun and moon, and social events.
• Different styles: Bharni (filled with colour), Kachni (fine line work), Tantrik, Godna (tattoo-like) and Kohbar.

The art came to the notice of the world after the 1934 Bihar earthquake, when the British officer W. G. Archer saw the paintings on damaged walls. In the 1960s, during a drought, artists began painting on paper and cloth to earn a living. Madhubani painting received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2007.

Well-known Madhubani artists include Sita Devi, Ganga Devi, Mahasundari Devi, Baua Devi and Dulari Devi, many of whom received the Padma Shri.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Odisha is known for Pattachitra and Saura paintings.
• ✗Uttar Pradesh is known for Chikankari embroidery.
• ✗West Bengal is known for Kalighat paintings and Patachitra scrolls.