Sarvanga Alpana

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"Alpana" is obviously the principal theme of this 'chitra-pata'. This 'Alepana' combines in it myth, folk tradition and subtle symbolism. Colours are used either in their brightest tones or in the light tones. Shading of colours, or producing effects of light and shade, are not the areas of Madhubani, or rather of any of the folk art traditions. But, differently, such colours are used not only to create forms and figures but also to have their own meaning and a thematic or symbolic thrust. If there manifests cosmic or oceanic depths in deep blue, the lighter tones of the same convey various levels of the Divine appearance. Colours in Madhubani tradition have their intricate and well founded symbolism. On the face it, this 'Alpana', contained in this 'chitra-pata', is a galaxy of colours, charismatic in balance and contrasts, but, at the same time, the colours used in it also impart a meaning and abound in great mysticism.

The centre of the 'Alpana' is the decorative folk substitute of the 'Bindu', or the point, which represents condensed cosmic energy and the union of the active and passive factors. The 'Bindu' is without dimensions, but when it grows, it multiplies within and beyond and create multiple 'Bindus' and multiple forms by uniting themselves. The circle has hence multiple petals strewn within and multiple rings, the manifest form of energy circuits, beyond. In the process there appear multiple forms -fauna and flora, creepers, circles, triangles, 'shikharas', shrines, presiding deity and the formless void symbolising 'Maya'. The superimposed flower is the fruition, the result of the union, the outcome of the sport of the creative factors, the 'leela' of the 'Purusha' and 'Prakriti'. In short, an 'Alpana', and this one in particular, is the folk vision of the cosmos, or of God's Creation.

For better strengthening their concept, the artists of this 'chitra-pata' have loaded their canvas with other cosmic entities and several auspicious motifs to add to it auspices. On the right top of the canvas, there is the sun and on the left the moon. Again the colours, the deep parching red of the sun and the softer one of the moon, characterise the two entities.

The 'chitra-pata' is essentially Vaishnava in its vision. The tortoise, on the right of the main 'Alpana', which is the cosmos, and the fish, on its left, are two incarnations of Vishnu. Four lotuses, on its four sides, are His essential attribute. This indicates that Vishnu has been manifested here as the sustainer of the three worlds. The highly auspicious banana on the right and the conventional flowering plant on the left are auspicious symbols. Other flowers in red and blue, symbolising Creation, one by love and union and the other by its cosmic colour, lay strewn all over. Border is as much symbolic. Its white flowers symbolise spiritual elevation, yellow leaves penance or the endeavour to elevate, red background attachment and love and the green stems nature and the path leading beyond it. On the right side of the bottom, a newly wedded couple is being carried in a palanquin and on its left, a couple is performing elephant worship. Everything denoting life and worship, crackers, basket, tray containing mangoes, bananas, berries and other fruits and 'gangasagar' are strewn all over. In the centre, there are male and female 'ghatas', the water pitchers symbolic of earth, ocean and fruition.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

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Colors of Tradition: Exploring the Artistry Behind Madhubani Paintings

Madhubani painting is also known as Mithila art as it is practiced in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It has specifically originated from the Madhubani district of the state of Bihar. Traditionally, the women of this region created these paintings and in recent years, it has become a widely practiced art and has now become renowned throughout the world. This art expresses the creativity and culture of the people of Mithila and is passed from one generation to another. In this way, the heritage of Madhubani art has been preserved for many decades. The subjects of these paintings are usually religion, love, and fertility. Sometimes, social events like festivals, weddings, and royal court are also depicted in the paintings. The most commonly painted designs and themes are the forms of Hindu Gods and Goddesses such as Ganesha, Shiva, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Krishna, and Ram. The characteristic features of Madhubani paintings are their vibrant colors and eye-catching geometrical patterns. The empty spaces are filled with traditional motifs such as floral and foliate patterns, animals, birds, geometrical structures, and other designs. The local artists create these paintings using a variety of items such as matchsticks, twigs, brushes, pens, or even their own fingers. The paints are usually made with natural dyes and pigments.
As simple as it may seem, the making process of the world-famous Madhubani paintings is certainly not easy and requires lots of hard labor.

Traditional Madhubani paintings are done either on cloth, handmade paper, or canvas. Select the medium of painting as per your choice. If you have chosen cloth, attach it to cardboard to make a solid base. The making of the painting begins with making a double-lined border. This is a very important step because the border is filled with various geographical shapes and patterns or other motifs. The average width of the border is 1.5 - 2 cm. Now that the border is created, you will be left with a blank middle space. This is the main workspace. Start drawing your choice of figure, designs, and shapes. These must be relevant to the Madhubani painting themes.

When the key design has been made, the empty spaces in between are filled with some designs.
Now is the time to color the painting using vivid shades and hues. Colors in Madhubani are sourced from nature; Indigo is used to produce blue, flower juice produces red, turmeric gives yellow, leaves produce green, cow dung mixed soot gives black, and rice powder gives white.

To paint these colors, the artist uses a bamboo stick and wraps cotton around it. This acts as a traditional brush.
The entire painting is now painted using this special brush with natural vibrant colors. · However, in modern times, the common brush is used and instead of natural colors, artists prefer to use acrylic paints.

Since the entire painting is made with natural materials and colors, it appears simple yet enriching. Originally, this art was created on mud walls or soil grounds but when it evolved over many years, the people of Madhubani started to make it on fabric and paper. Today, this art has become globalized and is receiving worldwide attention and appreciation.