Traditional Wall Paintings, Mithila

Traditional wall paintings, Mithila form an important part of Bihar's rich tradition of indigenous painting. The traditional wall paintings of Mithila is believed to go back to the epic times during the marriage of Rama and Sita. Mithila in North Bihar is one of the earliest kingdoms of India and the inhabitants of Mithila are extremely proud of their history, customs and traditions. They were the first regions to come under Aryan influence in the whole of Bihar. Scarcely do they indulge in anything that deviates from the tradition. It is therefore no wonder, that they will stick to their traditional ways when it comes to painting. Traditional wall paintings, Mithila is still believed to continue in the age old traditions using more or less the same techniques of painting and making color.

Traditional wall paintings, Mithila usually employs mythological themes from the Hindu pantheon. The whole of Mithila was believed to have decorated itself on the occasion of the marriage, as women decorated the walls and the floors in joy. The marriage of Rama and Sita still continues to be one of the chief themes of traditional wall paintings, Mithila.

Traditional wall paintings at Mithila are usually made by women. Women of all castes, and even at times Muslim women practice traditional wall painting at Mithila. Mithila's traditional wall paintings employ a two-dimensional plane and traditionally made color pastes are meticulously employed on the floors and the walls to cover the areas. The artists closely stick to the tradition as far as the motifs and the themes are concerned. Any deviation from the traditional is considered as a merit in the traditional wall paintings of Mithila. They also include loving details from the local flora and fauna.