Women Painters of Mithila Flashcards
Where is Mithila located?
Mithila is a region of south Nepal and Bihar lying between the lower ranges of the Himalayas and Ganges River.
There was a earthquake in __________ in Mithila
Answer: 1934
How was the art forms of Mithila recognised in 1934?
Due to the earthquake there were lot of damages and William Archer, a local collector, went to inspect these damages. He saw the floor and the wall paintings for the first time. He then brought his wife Mildred and bot of them took many photographs. These pictures were then published in magazines. In the 1950’s and 1960’s many scholars and artists visited Mithila and all were charmed by it’s beauty.
How did Bhaskar Kulkarni help the Mithila region?
In 1966 there was a drought in the same regions. Bhaskar Kulkarni was sent by the All India handicrafts Board. He encouraged the artists to make paintings on paper and sell the paintings and earn money for their families. This became a non agricultural source of income.
How where the Maithili paintings known?
The Maithili paintings are known for their vibrant lines and striking colours.
Describe the origin of Madhubani art, Madhuban?
The word Madhuban means forest of honey and is the largest the district of Mithila and it’s one of the main centres of this and form and is mostly isolated and consequently a fertile ground. This region is believed to be the birthplace of Sita and many people believe that this where Vedic learning has flourished.
What where the 3 places of the hut where Mithila painting was done?
The first place is the place of worship and this is where their household duties were placed. The second is the inner room or the heart of the hut. This room has freshly plastered walls on which pictures of gods and goddesses are located. The third place are the outer walls of a hut and this where guests are received and these are too beautified with paintings.
How were the Mithila paintings done?
Traditionally woman and groups began art as a social activity, They would first plaster the walls with cow dung and draw outlines with a twig of bamboo whose ends are frayed. For the brushes cloth strips are wound around the twigs and dipped in colour.
Where was a Ganga Devi born and describe her child hood?
She was born in a village, Chatara, Ganga Devi had a happy childhood. Like most children of her age she played with dolls and observe her elder sister becoming skilled in the art form. Sometimes she would assist her family in making art objects for the forthcoming wedding.
Why did Ganga Devi’s luck run out? How did she solve her problem?
After her own marriage her luck ran out as her husband’s family live in the despondency. It was difficult for her to get a full meal a day. Ganga Devi was anxious and disheartened. In desperation she went to her guru who advised her to take up commercial painting.
Was Ganga Devi recognised? Explain
Because of her diligence and talents she was recognised within a year of painting Ganga Devi received the National master craftsman of award which bought her some income and some international fame. She was sent to Moscow by the government of India to participate in an exhibition.
There she saw electric lights restaurants and elevators and she was alive with all the strain since she had seen the people she had met and she needed to record all her experiences on paper.
Ganga Devi was an inspirational artist. Explain
Because of her fame and awards she was an inspiration for other Madhubani painter. Her artworks which showed rich stores of folktales and legends in Madhubani gave other people inspiration which got them fame.
