The document discusses the rich tradition of art and craft in Bihar, highlighting its unique and intricate forms such as Madhubani and miniature paintings, which face the risk of being lost. It emphasizes the importance of preserving these folk arts as a means of safeguarding Indian culture and heritage. Additionally, it provides insight into other art forms like Manjusha and the influence of socio-economic factors on these crafts.

1. Bihar Art and Craft
By Amit Kumar Singh

2. Introduction
• They are intricate, unique, have earthy tones, and are passed
on from generation to generation. Indian folk art depicts the
story of how our society looked like in the past, many factors
—natural, socio-economic and cultural—that influenced the
society. Not something that gets widely discussed, Indian folk
art, in our present-day scenario, faces the threat of getting lost
for good.
To preserve the folk art and its essence is to preserve the rich
Indian culture and heritage. Without timely care and caution,
they stand the risk of disappearing along with the small
number of people and communities that are still practicing the
art.

3. Intro.
• The state of Bihar is rich in its arts and crafts, which is quite evident from the fact
that it is home to some of India’s first paintings, including the famous Madhubani
paintings and the miniature paintings done on paper and leaves, wall decorations,
patchwork, ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck on to
a larger piece to form a picture or pattern (appliqué work) and local handicrafts.
Mithila, a region situated to the north of Bihar, is the place where the Madhubani
paintings are believed to have originated. These paintings are Bihar’s most unique
folk art, done on either paper or canvas by the women of Mithila. The Miniature
paintings make use of leaves or paper and depict the lives of Buddha or Mahavira.
They are sold to the pilgrims and tourists in Bodh Gaya and are quite popular. Bihar is
also famous for stone pottery, white metal statuettes, bamboo artifacts, wooden toys
and leather goods. Wood inlay is another ancient craft quite famous here. In this
craft, the craftsmen use different wood and metal to create inlaid designs for table
toys, wall plaque and trays. In north Bihar, a special grass called Sikki is found which
when dyed in bright colours and woven with the natural grass makes excellent
attractive baskets, boxes and figures.

4. Art Forms
• Manjusha Art“Manjusha Art” is the heritage of Anga Pradesh. According to Vedic historians, this art is
the art of the Indus-Valley civilization. In which the story of ‘Bihula-Bishari’ is depicted. It is the first folk
traditional art in Asia. Which is a full story? This art originated in the state capital, Champa. Which is
currently located in Bhagalpur Bihar? Based on folktales and folklore, Bihula traveled to heaven by
water carrying the body of her famine, fictitious, serpent-bitten husband Bala-Lakhendra in a multi-story
boat like structured “Manjusha” built by DevShilpiVishwakarma, and returned her dead husband alive
and called Sati. This incident is the story of Shiva’s human daughter Mansha, Chandra Saudagar and
Bihula’s rituals, struggle in the Anga region.
• The Madhubani art form from Bihar and parts of Nepal is mainly practiced by the women folk. These
paintings are chapters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, made on traditional handmade paper or
cloth. Another great example of art influenced by social and religious beliefs.
• Moving to the eastern part of India, we have Pata Chitra from the states of Odisha and West Bengal.
The vibrant colours on these paintings are such joy to look at. The Pata Chitra art form is fascinating;
the concept is one of a kind. Centuries ago, travelling singers used to travel from one place to the other,
Pata Chitra art was developed around the same time and circumstances.

5. Manjusha Art