Summary: The Women Painters of Mithila | New Pathways Class 6: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

Summary

In the region of Mithila, which is in south Nepal and Bihar, there was a big earthquake in 1934. After the earthquake, a man named William Archer, who was in charge locally, went to see the damage in Mithila's villages. During his visit, he discovered beautiful wall and floor paintings that the women of Mithila had created. He took pictures of them with his wife Mildred and got them published, which caught the attention of artists and scholars.

Later, in 1966, there was a drought in Mithila, and the All India Handicrafts Board sent an artist named Bhaskar Kulkarni to encourage the women to make paintings on paper. This was a way for them to earn money for their families. This initiative turned painting into a significant source of income for many families in Mithila.

The paintings, also known as Maithili or Madhubani paintings, are famous for their vibrant lines and colors. They were originally created by tribal women in northern Bihar for religious ceremonies and festivities. The art form has been passed down through generations and involves painting three areas of a hut: the place of worship, the inner room, and the outer walls.

Traditionally, women in groups started this as a social activity. They would use cow dung to plaster the walls and draw outlines with bamboo sticks. Colors were filled in using cloth strips wound around twigs. Young girls learned by assisting their elders, and sometimes these paintings were passed down as family heirlooms.

Over time, the style of painting evolved. In the 1950s and 60s, the government supported artists to keep this tradition alive. Now, Mithila paintings are not only on walls but also on various items like clothes, greeting cards, and pen-stands, meeting the demand of people in cities.

One remarkable artist, Ganga Devi, from the region faced challenges in her life but became a successful painter. Despite not having formal training, she received the National Master Craftsman award and gained international fame. Her success inspired many other women in Mithila to take up painting.

In conclusion, Mithila paintings, known for their beauty and cultural significance, have become a vital source of income for families in the region, and artists like Ganga Devi have shown that talent and dedication can lead to success.

List of Difficult Words with Meanings

• Enamoured: Filled with love or admiration.
• Non-agricultural: Not related to farming.
• Preoccupation: Something that captures one's attention or interest.
• Heirlooms: Valuable objects passed down from generation to generation.
• Diligence: Careful and persistent effort.
• Conducive: Favorable or suitable.
• Empowerment: The process of giving someone the authority or power to do something.
• Recognition: The act of being acknowledged or identified.
• Folktales: Traditional stories or legends passed down orally from generation to generation.
• Despondency: A state of low spirits or hopelessness.