On An Art Trail Through Bihar

Art, dance, and architecture often narrate the history of a culture. We can consider ourselves lucky that India is blessed with various art forms, dance styles, and architectural marvels. Landlocked by Nepal to its north and bordered by three other Indian states to its east, south, and west, Bihar is better known as the birthplace of Buddhism.

An amalgamation of three distinct regions—Magadh, Mithila, and Bhojpur—Bihar was once considered a center of power, learning, and culture during the classical age. From Magadh arose the mighty Mauryan and Gupta empires, which unified large parts of modern-day India. On the other hand, led by King Janaka of the Videhas, the Mithila region became a hub of education and culture, giving birth to the extraordinary Mithila paintings.

Also known as Madhubani art, this style of painting is diverse and can be created with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib pens, and even matchsticks. Traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, the skills of this art form have been passed down from generation to generation. The sheer elegance of the art form is such that there are five distinctive styles: Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna, and Kohbar. The first three styles (Bharni, Katchni, and Tantrik) were primarily created by upper-caste women, with themes illustrating religious stories featuring extravagant flora and fauna. Run your fingers down the canvas and feel the legends come alive. In contrast, lower-caste women used the paintings to communicate their everyday lives and interactions with nature. Believe me, the intricate use of color, combined with fabulous designs and exceptional storytelling, is sure to take your breath away.

Though Mithila art is the most well-known, the state of Bihar is home to several other outstanding variations of art forms. The Mughals, as we all know, had a significant impact on the Indian subcontinent. From their beautiful architecture to their melodious music, these powerful conquerors brought about a new form of painting that combined Persian style with traditional Indian techniques. A prominent example of this is the Patna School of Painting, which is based on the Patna Qalaam style. Regarded as an offshoot of Mughal styles, Patna Qalaam is heavily influenced by Persian and British styles. Incorporating the colors used in Mughal drawings and the shading techniques adopted from British art, this art form created a unique piece of magic. Moving away from the exorbitantly decorated borders typical of Mughal paintings, Patna Qalaam narrowed its focus to the subject matter itself.

The Patna Qalaam and Madhubani paintings are relatively modern styles of art that continue to gain popularity. However, Bihar's art story begins at Kaimur, where rock paintings across the hills showcase the culture of the state from prehistoric times. Generations have painted on these rocks, allowing us to witness the evolution of not only the art form but also the political, socio-economic, and cultural reforms in the region. The rocks became a canvas on which the aboriginals painted objects and devices that changed their lives, such as the sun, animals, and trees. They also depicted their everyday events through these paintings, including hunting.

Bihar's rich history of art forms doesn’t stop here. The state is home to some marvelous sculptures dating back several centuries. The Pillar of Ashoka in Vaishali, inscribed with edicts from the Mauryan king, is a fine example of Mauryan craftsmanship. Another notable example of Mauryan architecture is the ornately crafted sculpture of Didarganj Yakshi, currently housed in the Patna Museum. Carved from a single piece of stone, this free-standing statue has close ties to the Mauryan polish, a technique used to give stone materials a remarkable shine.

Bihar's native art is critical to the cultural heritage of the region. These art forms recount stories from different eras, regions, and aspects of life. Throughout India, many such indigenous art forms exist, from Pattachitra in Odisha to Tanjore art from Tamil Nadu. Plan your inspirational vacation around India, learning about the distinct art forms that set each state apart.