Chapter 8
MADHUBANI ART
1. Why is Bihar famous?
Answer: Bihar is famous for many things related to its culture, tradition and art. One of the most important and unique things Bihar is famous for is Madhubani painting. This traditional art form represents the cultural richness of Bihar and is known both in India and abroad.
2. What are Madhubani paintings?
Answer: Madhubani paintings are a traditional art form of Bihar. These paintings are known for their bright colours, detailed patterns and traditional themes. They reflect village life, nature and religious beliefs of the people of Madhubani region.
3. Where are Madhubani paintings generally seen?
Answer: Madhubani paintings are generally seen on walls, papers, clothes, decorative pots and wood. Earlier, they were mostly painted on village house walls, but now they are painted on many different surfaces.
4. How were Madhubani paintings used 50–60 years ago?
Answer: About 50–60 years ago, Madhubani paintings were mainly used for decorating the walls of village houses. Women painted them during festivals, marriages and religious occasions to make their homes beautiful.
5. How has the use of Madhubani paintings changed over time?
Answer: In the last fifty years, village artists have started painting Madhubani art on paper and clothes. This change helped the art reach more people and made it popular outside villages and even outside the country.
6. On what items do artists paint Madhubani art today?
Answer: Today, artists paint Madhubani art on sarees, dupattas, rumals, table cloths, wood, pots and many other bases. This variety has increased the demand and popularity of the art.
7. Why did artists start painting on paper and clothes?
Answer: Artists started painting on paper and clothes to preserve the art and to sell their work easily. Painting on movable items helped them earn money and spread the art to cities and international markets.
8. What raw materials are used in Madhubani paintings?
Answer: The raw materials used by artists are natural colours made from flowers and other natural materials. These natural colours give the paintings a traditional and eco-friendly character.
9. What kind of colours are used on walls and cloth?
Answer: On walls and cloth, artists use fabric colours. These colours are more suitable for such surfaces and help the paintings last longer while maintaining their brightness.
10. What are the main themes of Madhubani paintings?
Answer: The themes of Madhubani paintings include natural scenes of villages, flora and fauna and religious stories. These themes reflect the daily life, beliefs and environment of village people.
11. How do village scenes appear in Madhubani paintings?
Answer: Village scenes in Madhubani paintings show rural life, farming activities, festivals and social life. These paintings beautifully express the simplicity and harmony of village living.
12. How are flora and fauna shown in Madhubani art?
Answer: Flora and fauna such as trees, flowers, birds and animals are drawn with bright colours and detailed patterns. They symbolize nature and the close relationship between humans and the environment.
13. What role does religion play in Madhubani paintings?
Answer: Religion plays an important role in Madhubani paintings. Many paintings show gods, goddesses and religious stories, reflecting the deep faith and spiritual beliefs of the people.
14. How do Madhubani people depend on this art?
Answer: Many people of the Madhubani region depend on this art for their living. Selling paintings provides them with income and helps them support their families.
15. Why is Madhubani painting important for village artists?
Answer: Madhubani painting is important because it provides employment to village artists. It also helps them preserve their cultural identity and pass their traditions to future generations.
16. Have Madhubani artists participated in national programmes?
Answer: Yes, many Madhubani artists have participated in national programmes. Their work has been appreciated and recognised at national level.
17. Have Madhubani artists participated internationally?
Answer: Many artists have also participated in international programmes. This has helped Madhubani painting gain global recognition and respect.
18. Who are the great artists mentioned in the text?
Answer: The text mentions that there have been many great artists, though their names are not given. These artists are known for their exceptional contribution to Madhubani painting.
19. Why are some artists called household names?
Answer: Some artists are called household names because they are very famous in their regions. Their work is well known and respected by the people.
20. What does ‘exceptional’ mean in the context of artists?
Answer: In the context of artists, ‘exceptional’ means remarkable and outstanding. These artists are considered very talented and respected at national forums.
21. What role do women play in Madhubani painting?
Answer: Many Madhubani artists are women. Women have traditionally practiced this art and played a major role in preserving and spreading it.
22. Why is Madhubani painting considered a traditional art?
Answer: Madhubani painting is considered traditional because it has been passed down through generations. It reflects old customs, beliefs and cultural practices of the region.
23. What training programmes exist for Madhubani painting?
Answer: At present, many centres conduct training programmes on Madhubani paintings. These programmes help learners develop skills and keep the art alive.
24. Who attends these training programmes?
Answer: Not only village artists but many other people also take keen interest in Madhubani painting and attend these training programmes.
25. Why are training centres important?
Answer: Training centres are important because they help preserve the art, improve skills and spread awareness about Madhubani painting among new learners.
26. Do only village artists practice Madhubani painting today?
Answer: No, many people other than village artists also take keen interest in this art. This has increased its popularity beyond villages.
27. At what age do children start learning this art?
Answer: In villages, children as young as five years old start learning Madhubani painting. This shows how early the tradition is passed on.
28. Who teaches Madhubani painting to children?
Answer: Children usually learn this art from their mothers. This family-based learning helps preserve the tradition.
29. How is Madhubani painting passed through generations?
Answer: Madhubani painting is passed through generations by mothers teaching their children. This continuous practice keeps the art alive.
30. Why is Madhubani painting important for culture?
Answer: Madhubani painting is important because it represents the culture, traditions and beliefs of Bihar. It keeps cultural heritage alive.
31. What does ‘decorating’ mean in the text?
Answer: In the text, ‘decorating’ means making something more attractive by adding ornamentation, such as painting designs on walls.
32. What does ‘raw’ mean?
Answer: ‘Raw’ means in its natural state. In Madhubani painting, raw materials refer to natural colours made from flowers and plants.
33. What is meant by flora and fauna?
Answer: Flora and fauna refer to the plants and animals of a particular region. They are common themes in Madhubani paintings.
34. What does ‘household’ mean?
Answer: ‘Household’ means home and family. Household names are people famous in many homes.
35. Why are natural colours important in Madhubani art?
Answer: Natural colours are important because they keep the art traditional and eco-friendly. They also connect the art closely to nature.
36. How has Madhubani painting helped women?
Answer: Madhubani painting has helped women earn a living and gain recognition. It has empowered many women artists.
37. How does Madhubani painting reflect village life?
Answer: The paintings show village scenes, nature and religious beliefs, which reflect the everyday life and culture of rural people.
38. Why is Madhubani painting gaining popularity today?
Answer: It is gaining popularity because of training centres, national and international exposure and its use on various decorative items.
39. What makes Madhubani painting unique?
Answer: Its use of bright colours, traditional themes, natural materials and detailed patterns makes Madhubani painting unique.
40. How does Madhubani painting contribute to Bihar’s identity?
Answer: Madhubani painting contributes to Bihar’s identity by representing its rich cultural heritage and bringing pride and recognition to the state.
Answer by Mrinmoee
