Art and Crafts of Bihar

• Bihar is known for its unique and beautiful art and crafts, which showcase great creativity. This creativity is preserved in various forms such as stone, wood, grass, lacquer, and metal.
• Craftsmen in Bihar are skilled in making artistic goods that are in high demand both locally and internationally. The fine skill and perfection of Bihari craftsmen are evident from archaeological excavations in places like Kumhrar, Bulandibagh, Nalanda, and others.
• The rich cultural heritage of Bihar is reflected in the art and architecture of ancient times.

Art in Mauryan Period

The ancient architecture in Bihar can be traced back to the Mauryan period, around the 4th century BCE. During this time, sculpture and rock art were at their peak. Sites like Kumhrar in Patna, Rajgir, and the Barabar hills near Gaya provide evidence of architecture from this period.

• Construction during the Mauryan period involved the use of burnt bricks and stones for external structures, while interiors, especially in palaces, were made of wood. 
• The walls and pillars of these structures were adorned with intricate designs featuring flowers, creepers, mountains, and figures of animals, birds, and humans.

Palaces

• Palaces were a significant aspect of Mauryan architecture. The palace of Chandragupta Maurya, for instance, was renowned for its line of pillars and was often referred to as a wooden palace due to its entirely wooden interior. 
• The Greek ambassador Megasthenes described this palace as the most magnificent of its kind. Excavations in Kumhrar revealed the palace of Chandragupta Maurya, which featured a large hall supported by 80 pillars.

Pillars

• A distinctive feature of this period was the use of single stone for pillars, often with a round shape at the top. These single stone pillars are characteristic of the Asokan era. Sites like Lauriya Nandangarh, Lauriya Areraj, Rampurva, and Basarh showcase evidence of Ashokan single stone pillars. These pillars were carved from materials like red sandstone, white sandstone, or fine-grained hard sandstone, often with small dark-colored spots.
• The Mauryan pillars are considered masterpieces of art, architecture, and sculpture, with an average height of 40 feet. The tops of these pillars were usually adorned with animal figures, and the monolithic capitals represented the administrative divisions of the Mauryan empire. The capitals were often bell-shaped or lotus-shaped. One of the most famous examples of Mauryan art is the Lion Capital of Asoka, which features prominently in India's national emblem. 
• The Ashoka Chakra, derived from this capital, is also a key symbol in India's national flag. The Lion Capital was originally placed on top of an Asoka pillar in Sarnath around 250 BCE. This sculpture, carved from a single piece of polished sandstone, is a prime example of Mauryan craftsmanship. A similar sculpture from the Mauryan period, known as the Single Lion Capital, was found in Vaishali and features a single lion figure.

Stupas

• Stupas, particularly those associated with Buddhism, held a prominent place in the art and architecture of the Mauryan period. These dome-shaped structures were built to enshrine sacred relics and were constructed using brick and mortar. 
• Stupas from this period typically shared a similar design, and many were commissioned by Emperor Ashoka.

Sculpture

• Sculpture during the Mauryan period was characterized by detailed and lifelike representations, often with a high polish and a mirror-like finish. Statues of Yakshas and Yakshinis from Patna are considered some of the finest examples of Mauryan sculpture. These statues, including the famous Didarganj Yakshini, are estimated to be over 2,000 years old and were carved from a single piece of stone. 
• The Didarganj Yakshini statue is notable for its depiction of contemporary women's fashion and beauty standards, representing ideals of femininity and fertility. The figure holds a chauri (a ceremonial hand fan) and is adorned with intricate jewelry, with the draping of her garments being particularly distinctive. 
• Ancient statues from this period have been found throughout Bihar, with some made from bronze, an advanced material for the time. For instance, the Sultanganj Buddha Statue, estimated to be 1,500 years old, is about seven feet tall and made from 500 kg of bronze, making it one of the largest statues of its era.

Cave Architecture

• Caves from the Mauryan period were typically cut into large halls known as Chaitya halls. A group of four caves at Barabar near Jehanabad exemplifies the cave architecture of this period. Caves such as Sudama, Nyagrodha, and Karma Chaupar bear inscriptions from Emperor Ashoka. 
• The Lomas Rishi cave is one of the most notable examples of Mauryan cave architecture, with other sites including Nagarjuni hill, which features an inscription from a later ruler named Daratha. In Sitamarhi, near Rajgriha, a small cave made from a single granite boulder has been discovered, with interiors polished to a glass-like finish, a characteristic feature of Mauryan cave architecture.

Art in the Post-Mauryan Period

• After the Mauryan Empire, smaller kingdoms like the Shungas and Kanvas continued the tradition of art, focusing on Stupas, Yakshas, and Nagas. 
• One notable site is Bodh Gaya, where a shrine called the Bodhi Ghara was built to honor the Bodhi tree, a significant symbol in Buddhism. This shrine, originally enclosed by a sculpted railing, was later replaced by a temple featuring a straight-edged Shikhara and a statue of the Buddha.

Art in the Kushana Period

• During the brief rule of the Kushana dynasty from Mathura, a new school of art known as the Mathura school emerged. This period saw the rise of temples, which played a crucial role in popularizing Hinduism. In Bihar, artifacts from the Kushana period, such as sculptures found in the Nawada district, reflect this artistic tradition.
• One of the most famous sculptures from this period is the Ekanamsa trio, depicting the deities Vasudeva, Balram, and Ekanamsa. This statue is currently housed in the Patna Museum.

Art in the Gupta Period

• The art of the Gupta and Later Gupta periods, while notable, is generally considered to be of lesser quality compared to the Mauryan period. Gupta art was heavily influenced by the Mathura style and reflects a stronger emphasis on Hindu themes rather than Buddhist ones. Evidence of Gupta period sculpture can be found in various places such as Rohtas, Bhojpur, Rajgir, Gaya, Vaishali, Sultanganj, and Patna.
• Buddhist architecture from the Gupta period includes brick stupas, with examples found in Giriak (in Patna) and Kesariya (in Champaran). Buddhist shrines in Bodh Gaya also showcase the architectural style of this period.

Temples

• The temples built during the Gupta period exhibit a blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles. Significant examples include the Brahmanical temple, Dasavtara temple, and Vishnu temple at Dighwara, as well as the Shiva temple at Bhumarah. Cave temples and Chaitya halls also gained popularity during this time.
• One of the earliest sculptures of the Buddha in Bihar is the Bodh Gaya image. Another notable artifact is a 7.5-foot copper statue of Gautam Buddha discovered in Sultanganj (in Bhagalpur), which illustrates the artistic style of the period. The statue’s design, particularly the depiction of Buddha’s clothing, shows influences from Roman sculpture and Hellenistic forms. Currently, this statue is preserved in the Birmingham Museum in England.
• Additionally, Mandar Hill features a unique Gupta period image of Lord Vishnu in his man-lion incarnation, which is made of black stone and stands 34 inches high. Unfortunately, many Hindu and Buddhist sculptures from Bihar were destroyed by Muslim invaders. The stonecraft tradition in Bihar, evident from ancient Mauryan period sculptures, continued to thrive.
• The period also saw a mix of Hellenistic gods and early representations of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas being combined in artworks. The Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara is believed to have emerged before the Kushana period, as suggested by evidence from Sirkap.

Art during the Palas

During the early medieval period, art and architecture flourished under the Pala dynasty. This era saw the popularity of statues made from stone, copper, and a blend of eight different metals. It was characterized by the construction of numerous temples, stupas, viharas, and chaityas.

Monasteries, Stupas, and Temples

• Pala Dynasty Contributions: Dharmapala and Devapala of the Pala dynasty were responsible for building Buddha Viharas in Odantpuri, Nalanda, and Vikramshila.
• Notable Temples: Temples constructed during this period include Vishnupad at Gaya, cave temples at Kukrihar, and Kahalgaon (Bhagalpur).
• Architectural Features: Pala dynasty architecture reflects the presence of both Buddhism and Hinduism. This era witnessed the revival of Hinduism and the influence of tantric art. Archaeological remains, such as those at Vikramshila Mahavihar, showcase the artistic style of the period.
• Stupas at Nalanda: These stupas featured multiple terraces and were adorned with numerous umbrellas.
• Shiva Temple at Konch: The curvilinear shikhara of the Shiva temple at Konch in Gaya is a remarkable example of architecture from this period.
• Materials Used: Statues were crafted from stone, brass, and Ashtha Dhatu, a combination of eight metals. Images of the Buddha were produced in various postures and mudras, depicting scenes from his life.
• Centers of Sculpture Production: Main centers for metal and stone sculptures from the Pala period include Rajgriha, Vaishali, Nalanda, Biharsharif, Bodh Gaya, Patna, Kukrihar, Tehera, Gunderi, Bishanpur, and Dharawat.
• Brahmanical Sculptures: Sculptures such as Uma-Maheshwara, Shiva, and Vaishnava images from the twelfth century were also found. Bronze figures of Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Maitreya, Vajrapani) and Brahmanical images were discovered from these sites.
• Artistic Legacy: These images date back to the ninth century. Taranath mentioned artists Dhiman and Bitpalo as founders of Schools of Cast Metal Images, Sculptures, and Paintings. Pala sculptures exemplify artistic beauty in stone carvings, popularizing the Poorvi style of sculpture.

Art and Architecture in Medieval Bihar

The arrival of the Turks and Afghans in the 12th century AD introduced elements of Islamic art and architecture to Bihar. The influences of the Turks, Afghans, and Mughals are evident in the region's art forms. The distinctive architectural style of this period features monuments enclosed within walled and moated boundaries, characterized by large gates and multi-storied structures.

Temples, Tombs, and Mosques

• Temple Construction: Temples built during the medieval period in Bihar were constructed using bricks and timber, designed on quadrilateral, circular, or elliptical plans. The gateway arches, known as toranas, gained immense popularity.
• Tombs and Mosques: These structures were primarily made of sandstone and marble, showcasing a significant Persian influence in their architectural style.
• Tomb of Malik Ibrahim: Located in Bihar Sharif, this tomb exemplifies the Turkish architectural style of the period.
• Sher Shah's Tomb: Situated in Sasaram, this tomb reflects Afghan architectural influence. Built on a rectangular platform, it is a notable example of Afghan-style tomb construction.

Mughal Architecture

• Palace of Rohtas: Completed in 1547 AD, this palace is an example of the Akbari architectural style, representing the Mughal influence in the region.
• Phul Mahal: Also known as the Palace of Flowers, this site further exemplifies the Akbari architectural style.
• Makhdum Shah Daulat’s Tomb: Built in 1617 in Maner (Patna), this tomb is a significant example of Mughal architectural style. Constructed of red sandstone, it follows the typical Chaar Bagh Mughal style.
• Shiva Temple at Baikathpur: Located 18 miles from Patna, this temple was constructed with financial support from Raja Mansingh.
• Harishchandra Temple: Situated within Rohtasgarh fort, this temple was also built by Raja Mansingh.
• Golghar: This structure, resembling an inverted rice bowl, stands 27 meters high and reflects the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Made of brick and mortar, it is a unique example of architectural design in the region.

Modern Architecture in Bihar

The arrival of European traders in Bihar brought about a significant influence on architecture, evident in various structures across the region.

European Influence

• Patna College and Patna Collectorate showcase the Holland architectural style.
• Bankipur Church exhibits Gothic architectural influence.
• Raj Bhawan, High Court, and Secretariat were built in a European architectural style.

Indo-Islamic Influence

• The Patna Museum reflects Indo-Islamic architectural elements.

Mughal Architecture

• Characterized by dome buildings with intricate designs, Mughal architecture is prominent in Patna and Munger.
• Patna and Munger feature several monuments showcasing Mughal architectural style.

Paintings of Bihar

• Paintings from ancient and medieval periods, including the Maurya, Pala, and Gupta periods, have been discovered in Bihar. Painting reached its zenith during the Pala period, with manuscripts depicting the Buddha and other deities, influenced by Tantric themes. 
• Cave paintings from the Pala period, featuring various motifs, and mural paintings from Sarai in Nalanda district, depicting elephants, horses, dancers, and Bodhisattvas, have also been found.

Manjusha Painting

• Originating in the Bhagalpur district and dating back to the 7th century, Manjusha painting is a folk art form linked to the legend of Bihula-Bishari and associated with Bishari Puja. Initially practiced by women in Mithila families, this art form involves painting on walls during festivals, religious events, and significant life milestones such as birth, Upanayanam (the sacred thread ceremony of Brahmins), and marriage.
• Manjusha Kala or Angika Art is another Bihari art form practiced in the Anga region. The primary colors used in these paintings are pink, green, and yellow. Yellow signifies sacrifice, while green represents happiness. Various borders, including Lehriya, Belpatr, Srp ki Ladi, Mokha, and Tribhuj, are drawn along the edges of these paintings.
• Notable artists of Manjusha paintings include Chakravati Devi, Nirmala Devi, Manoj Pandit, and Ulupi Jha.

Patna Kalam Painting

The Mughal rule in India significantly impacted the social, cultural, political, and economic lifestyle of the Indian people, with art, architecture, and culture being the most influenced areas. During Jahangir's reign, painting reached its peak, blending Persian and Indian traditional styles to create a new form of art. This period inspired many Indian schools of painting, including the Patna School of Painting, also known as Patna Kalam or Company painting.

Patna Kalam emerged as an offshoot of Mughal painting in Bihar from the early 18th to the mid-20th century. Hindu artisans faced persecution during Aurangzeb's rule due to his anti-Hindu policies and disdain for art. These artists sought refuge in Patna, where they developed a new school of painting. While they maintained the basic features of Mughal painting, their subjects differed significantly.

Unlike Mughal paintings that focused on royalty and court scenes, Patna Kalam artists were inspired by the daily lives of common people. Their main subjects included:

• Bazaar scenes
• Local rulers
• Local festivals and ceremonies

Later Development

The Patna Art School was established by Shri Radha Mohan, and Patna Kalam paintings are now exhibited in the Patna Museum and Khudabaksh Library.

Features of Patna Kalam Paintings

• Light-Colored Sketches: Patna Kalam paintings are characterized by their light-colored sketches and lifelike representations.
• Kajli Syani Technique: This technique involves painting directly with a brush, without the use of a pencil in the initial stages. It gives the paintings a distinct style.
• Emphasis on Human Figures: Human figures are prominently featured, with facial expressions and features highlighted to convey emotions.
• Materials Used: Patna Kalam paintings are created on glass, mica, and ivory sheets. The themes often depict daily life, labor, and religious activities.
• Natural Colors: The colors used in these paintings are derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and metals. For example, red is obtained from vermilion, blue from stones, white from shells, and yellow from flowers and minerals.
• Brushes: Brushes are made from animal hairs (such as camel, deer, and squirrel) and bird feathers (such as pigeon and eagle).
• Minimal Background: There is minimal use of background and landscape in Patna Kalam paintings to keep costs down.

Renowned Painters of Patna Kalam Paintings

Sevak Ram was the first painter to gain recognition for his work in Patna Kalam. Hulas Ram, Mahadev Lal, Madholal, Yamuna Prasad, and Shiva Dayal were among the renowned painters from this school. Ishwari Prasad is considered the last notable painter of this style.

Examples of Patna Kalam Paintings

• Ragini Gandhari by Mahadev Lal: Depicts the pain of separation experienced by a woman.
• Virahini Nayika by Madholal: Shows a woman with a veena, a traditional musical instrument.
• Muslim Vivah by Shivdayal Lal: Illustrates the proceedings of a Muslim wedding.

Introduction to Madhubani Paintings

• Madhubani paintings, also known as Mithila paintings, are a traditional form of art that originated in the Mithila region of Bihar, India. These paintings are characterized by their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and themes drawn from nature and Hindu mythology.
• Historically, Madhubani paintings were done by women on the walls of their homes, especially during festivals and special occasions. The art form has evolved over time and is now practiced on various mediums like cloth, paper, and canvas.

Historical Background

• The tradition of Madhubani painting dates back to ancient times, and it is believed to have originated during the period of the Ramayana. According to legend, King Janak of Mithila commissioned artists to create these paintings for the wedding of his daughter Sita to Lord Rama.
• Initially, the paintings were done on freshly plastered mud walls of houses, but with changing times, artists began to use cloth, handmade paper, and canvas as their canvas.

Themes and Motifs

• The themes of Madhubani paintings are predominantly inspired by nature and Hindu religious beliefs. Common motifs include images of Hindu deities, natural elements like the sun, moon, and plants such as tulsi (holy basil).
• Artists fill the empty spaces in their paintings with intricate patterns of flowers, animals, birds, and geometric designs. The use of vivid and contrasting colors is a hallmark of this art form.

Styles of Madhubani Paintings

• Madhubani paintings are created in five distinct styles: Bharni, Kachni, Tantrik, Godna, and Kohbar. Each style features depictions of deities like Shiv-Parvati, Radha-Krishna, and Ram-Sita, surrounded by symbolic borders.
• For instance, the tortoise symbolizes longevity, bamboo represents children, and the parrot signifies knowledge.

Types of Madhubani Paintings

Madhubani Paintings are of two types i.e. wall paintings and floor paintings known as Aripan:

Wall Paintings

• (i) Gosauni Room: The decoration is done by way of paintings of religious figures. Figures of Radha-Krishna, Shiv-Parvati, Ram-Sita, Vishnu-Laxmi adore the walls. The figures are drawn by women of Brahman and Kayastha families. 
• (ii) Kohbar Room: Kohbar rooms are the bed rooms and they are decorated with paintings that are bit erotic in nature. Figures of Yaksh and Yakshini are also made. Bamboo is drawn to show the family tree, tortoise represents long life. Kohbar rooms and their paintings are very popular in Mithila region. Picture of clan deity is drawn in Kohbar room during the time of wedding using turmeric and other natural materials. In Kohbar, mainly tortoise (for Bride-Groom’s longevity), bamboo (for raising the family) and parrot (for gaining knowledge) are drawn. 

Aripan

These paintings are paintings drawn on the floor. These are similar to Alpana floor paintings of Bengal. In this art form, women draw various figures and drawings to decorate their homes on special occasions. Rice powder, water and natural colours are used to draw various figures on the floor. Geometrical shapes, flowers, leaves, animal figures are drawn beautifully. These Aripan shapes form the main part during tulsi puja, marriage or festivals.

Main Centres of Madhubani Paintings

• Mithila Art Institute: The Government of Bihar has established the Mithila Art Institute in Madhubani to preserve, develop, and promote this unique form of art.
• State Government Centres: These centres are operational in various locations, including Madhubani, Bhawanipur, Leharia Sarai, Leharia Ganj, Jitwarpur, and Simri, facilitating the teaching and promotion of Madhubani paintings.
• International Interest: Since 1990, Japan has shown a keen interest in Madhubani paintings, largely due to the efforts of Hasegawa, who founded the Mithila Museum in Tokamachi, Japan. This museum showcases Madhubani paintings, helping to spread awareness and appreciation for this art form globally.

Notable Madhubani Artists:

• Sita Devi: Born in Jitwarpur, Madhubani district, Sita Devi gained recognition for her exceptional art. She received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Bharat Ratna in 1984. She was also honored with the Shilp Guru title in 2006.
• Ganga Devi: A native of the Mithila region, Ganga Devi was instrumental in popularizing the Kachni style of painting. Her contributions to art were recognized with the Padma Shri award in 1984.
• Mahasundari Devi: Born in Madhubani district, Mahasundari Devi was a renowned painter who established a cooperative society to support Madhubani artists. She received several awards, including the national award in 1982 and the Padma Shri in 2011.
• Karpuri Devi: Hailing from Ranti village in Madhubani district, Karpuri Devi was an acclaimed artist who received numerous state awards and a national merit certificate from the Ministry of Textiles, Union Government. She played a significant role in bringing Mithila art to global recognition.

Thangka Paintings

• Thangka paintings are sacred artworks associated with Buddhism, believed to have originated around the 10th century. These intricate paintings are typically done on cloth and paper and are commonly found in monasteries, temples, and Tibetan households. Thangka paintings depict various aspects of Buddha's life and are characterized by detailed patterns and artistic precision. The process of creating Thangka paintings requires significant time and patience due to the complexity involved.
• The Patna Museum houses a precious collection of around 109 Thangka paintings, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of this form. The colors used in Thangka paintings are derived from a mixture of mineral oxides and other ingredients such as glue, lac, alum, chalk, soot, indigo, and vermillion, carefully blended in different proportions to achieve the desired hues.
• Notable Thangka painters from Bihar include Batukeshwar Nath Srivastava, Upendra Maharathi, and Dinesh Bakshi, who have contributed significantly to the art form.

Wood Carving

• Historical Significance : Wood carving was a highly regarded form of art and craft during the Mauryan period. During this time, wooden houses were intricately carved out of wood. This ancient art form has not only been preserved over the years but has also evolved into a means of livelihood for artists, particularly in Bihar. Bihar is one of the few places where wood carving work is still actively practiced.
• Current Practices : In Bihar, wood carving and inlay work are performed on various items such as wall plaques, table tops, pens, and paper cutters. These items are made from wood and inlaid with a variety of materials, including metal, ivory, stag horn, and different types of wood chips. Patna, the capital of Bihar, is now well-known for the manufacturing of carved doors and windows.

Clay Art

• Historical Background : Bihar has a rich history of clay pottery that dates back to the Mauryan and Gupta periods. Archaeological excavations in places like Nalanda and Rajgir have confirmed the existence of this artistic craft in Bihar.
• Current Craftsmanship : Today, potters in Bihar create beautiful earthen utensils and tiles. They possess the skills to paint artistic and intricate designs on clay pots. Patna is particularly famous for this kind of work, including the production of earthen statues of various gods and goddesses.

Wooden Craft

• Historical Background : Bihar has a long history of wooden craft, including the manufacturing of wooden furniture and toys. This tradition dates back to the Mauryan period, especially during the time of Emperor Ashoka. Wooden craft from Bihar is known for its artistic beauty, creativity, durability, and affordability.
• Notable Products : During Ashoka's reign, wood artists from Bihar created beautiful royal thrones, gates, and temple panels. This ancient tradition has now evolved into a significant industry due to high demand in Indian and international markets.
• Contemporary Centers : Patna and Danapur are famous centers for wooden toy making. The tradition of wooden work in Bihar has transformed into a thriving industry, catering to both domestic and global markets.

Craftsmanship in Bihar

Bihar is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in brass work, sikki craft, zari craft, and artistic embroidery. These traditional art forms not only reflect the rich cultural heritage of the state but also provide livelihoods to many artisans.

Brass Craft

• Historical Significance: The brass work in Bihar dates back to prehistoric times, with its peak during the Mauryan, Gupta, and Pala periods. Archaeological sites like Nalanda and Rajgir have confirmed the historical significance of this craft.
• Contemporary Craftsmanship: Today, artisans in Bihar continue to excel in creating intricate brass images of deities, utensils, iron pitchers, and various household utility articles. Their craftsmanship is highly regarded and in demand across the country.
• Panch Dhatu: In addition to brass, artisans mix brass with other metals to create figures of Panch Dhatu, a traditional alloy used in religious and decorative items.

Sikki Craft

• Overview: Sikki craft involves the transformation of sikki grass, a weed commonly found along riverbanks, into beautiful decorative objects. This craft is predominantly practiced by women artisans in Bihar.
• Crafting Process: The process begins with collecting and drying the sikki grass, which is then stitched into various shapes such as elephants, birds, and snakes. The grass is dyed in vibrant colors like red, blue, black, and gold to enhance its appeal.
• Products: Artisans create a wide range of articles, including baskets, boxes, human figures, replicas of gods and goddesses, toys, animals, birds, and models of chariots and temples. The desired shapes are often formed using ordinary grass called khar, which is coiled and encased in softened sikki grass.
• Cultural Significance: Many of the motifs used in sikki craft are inspired by local tantric traditions, adding a unique cultural touch to the products.

Zari Craft and Artistic Embroidery

• Zari Craft: Zari work is highly regarded in Bihar and serves as a livelihood for numerous families. It is known for its fine craftsmanship, evident in items like shamiyanas (canopies), kanath, chandwas, pillow covers, tablecloths, window curtains, and various clothing articles such as blouses, saris, and borders. Patna, in particular, is famous for its zari and embroidery works.
• Sujini Quilts: Sujini quilts are a traditional handicraft from Bihar, characterized by embroidery done in a running stitch. The embroidery features scale patterns depicting rural scenes, such as dancing peacocks and boys flying kites. These quilts are not only functional but also tell stories of village life through their intricate designs.
• Khatwa Appliqué Work: Khatwa is the local term for appliqué work in Bihar, used in decorative items like tents, canopies, and shamiyanas. The appliqué designs are inspired by Persian motifs, featuring trees, flowers, animals, and birds. This craft adds a vibrant and artistic touch to functional items, showcasing the skill and creativity of Bihar’s artisans.

Kasida Embroidery

• Kasida embroidery is an ancient form of art that involves stitching with gold and silver metallic threads, beads, silk, and sequins on satin or velvet fabrics. 
• The motifs used in this embroidery include birds, leaves, and various other designs. In Bihar, particularly in Patna, Kasida embroidery featuring geometric patterns is very popular.

Textile Printing

• Textile printing is a traditional art form in Bihar, with Patna being especially renowned for this craft. 
• The artisans in Patna specialize in creating chunris (scarves) adorned with intricate motifs such as parrots, peacocks, elephants, mangoes, conches, fish, and various deities.

Bamboo Craft

• Bamboo craft has been an integral part of Bihar's culture since ancient times. Forest-dwelling tribes have been skilled in bamboo and cane work, creating various utility items like baskets, household wares, woven mats, furniture, and decorative cane products. 
• These artisans transform raw bamboo and cane into valuable everyday objects using their expertise and craftsmanship.

Tikuli Craft

• Tikuli craft involves making decorative items from melted and shaped broken glass. 
• Patna is famous for this craft, with major markets for Tikuli products located in Varanasi, Patna, and Kolkata.

Paper Mache

• Paper Mache is an ancient craft in Bihar used for making masks for various dance forms, including Chhau dance. 
• The craft involves creating a material from paper pulp, using ingredients like newspaper or waste paper, multani mitti, methi powder (for fragrance and insect protection), and an adhesive made from water and wheat flour.

Jewellery

• The making of silver and gold jewellery has a long history in Bihar, which was a significant center of Indian history, especially in ancient times. 
• Goldsmiths in Bihar are known for creating beautiful and artistic ornaments, with particular praise for the intricate carving or kundan work on silver jewellery, which requires a high level of skill and concentration.

Lacquer Craft

Bihar is renowned for its rich heritage in lacquer works, known for their artistic and intricate designs. Artisans from Bihar specialize in decorating various items with lacquer, including bed legs, boxes, bangles, and stools.

• Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Madhubani are particularly famous for lacquer work, especially the production of lac bangles.
• Lac bangles are traditionally worn by married women of tribal communities in Bihar, such as the Bhumij, Mo, Munda, Oraon, and Santhal tribes.
• One ancient item is the round conical box, used by the bride’s parents to present a nose ring to her at the time of marriage. This box features intricate symbols of fertility and longevity inscribed on its red body.
• Other colorful and ornamental items include chapatti boxes and dry fruit containers.