Artistic Traditions and Cultural Expressions in Medieval Mithila

Author(s): Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Abstract:

Ancient Mithila was a very creative part of Eastern India with an art and culture that was reflective of their religion and community-oriented way of life. The art developed in Mithila over hundreds of years (1100s to 1700s) was influenced by the way men and women painted and made things (painted paintings or walls) and passed those paintings or objects forward over time; established by storytelling, painting (Madhubani or Mithila), and community living based on the stories of The Gods Rama and Krishna. The artistic development of Mithila was largely due to Maithili author Vidyapati, as his compositions of poetry helped create the Bhakti movement. This artistic creativity was also expressed through the art in homes and ceremonies performed by women; wall and floor painting had a larger purpose than just ornamental - they represented community identity, history, and other important stories of gods and goddesses - for future generations. The research indicates that the artistic expression of medieval Mithila was not an isolated occurrence, but rather a part of the daily practice of people in the community and their spiritual beliefs, and thus provides a deeper context of the culture of the region. While the creativity that was expressed in medieval Mithila is usually overlooked - were far more significant than being decorative or as part of ritual; expressed a larger meaning than the act of creating a product or participating in a ritual.

keywords:
Mithila, Madhubani art, Maithili, Bhakti wave

Pages: 47-54     |    21 View     |    2 Download