The Forgotten Art: Mud Wall Paintings of Mithila, Bihar

Mithila, a region in Bihar, is famous worldwide for its rich artistic heritage, especially Madhubani paintings. But there’s another traditional art form, just as unique and important, that’s slowly disappearing—the mud wall paintings of Mithila. For generations, these beautiful murals decorated the walls of village homes, playing a vital role in the region’s cultural identity. Unlike Madhubani, which has gained international fame and commercial success, mud wall paintings have remained hidden in rural homes, now struggling to survive in the face of modernization.

Mud wall painting in Mithila is an age-old tradition, even older than the famous Madhubani art. For generations, women in Mithila’s villages have decorated their homes with intricate designs, using natural pigments mixed with mud, cow dung, and rice paste. But these paintings were never just about decoration—they carried deep cultural, religious, and social meaning. The designs often told stories from mythology, celebrated nature, and reflected everyday village life, symbolizing prosperity, protection, and spirituality.

This art was a way of life, passed down from mothers to daughters, keeping traditions alive through the generations. It was especially important during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions, bringing both beauty and a strong sense of cultural identity to village homes.

Although both mud wall painting and Madhubani art come from the Mithila region, they have some key differences.

Medium & Surface: Madhubani paintings are usually made on paper, cloth, or canvas, while mud wall paintings are done directly on earthen walls coated with a mix of clay and cow dung.

Colors & Materials: Mud wall paintings rely on natural ingredients like lime, charcoal, turmeric, and earth pigments, whereas modern Madhubani art often uses synthetic colors due to commercialization.

Patterns & Designs: Mud wall paintings tend to have larger, more open motifs with floral and geometric patterns, while Madhubani is known for its intricate detailing and densely filled designs.

Recognition & Survival: Madhubani has gained widespread recognition, evolving into a commercial art form, while mud wall paintings remain confined to traditional village homes and are on the verge of extinction.

The Process of Creating Mud Wall Paintings

Making mud wall paintings was a labor-intensive process that brought the community together. It took patience, skill, and teamwork. Here’s how it was done:

• Preparing the Wall: The walls were first coated with a mix of clay and cow dung, which not only created a smooth surface but also acted as a natural antiseptic.
• Sketching the Design: Using their fingers or bamboo twigs, women carefully sketched out symmetrical and balanced motifs.
• Adding Colors: Natural pigments were used—white rice paste for outlines, black from charcoal, red from brick dust, yellow from turmeric, and green from plant extracts.
• Final Touches: Once the painting was done, it was left to dry naturally. Sometimes, small details like rice flour dots were added to give the artwork more texture.

It wasn’t just about decoration—it was a tradition, a shared ritual, and a way to keep their cultural identity alive.

Mud wall paintings weren’t just for decoration—they were filled with meaning and symbolism. Some of the most common themes included:

• Nature: Peacocks, trees, flowers, and fish were popular motifs, representing prosperity and a deep connection with nature.
• Mythology & Religion: Many paintings featured Hindu deities like Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Krishna, reflecting devotion and spirituality.
• Social Life: Everyday village scenes, festivals, and traditional customs were often depicted, capturing the essence of Mithila’s culture.
• Protective Symbols: Certain patterns were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the household.

Each painting told a story, carrying forward traditions and beliefs that had been passed down for generations.

The beautiful tradition of mud wall painting is now on the verge of disappearing, and several factors are to blame:

• Modernization & Changing Architecture: Traditional mud houses, which served as the canvas for these paintings, have mostly been replaced by cement structures, leaving no space for this art.
• Rise of Commercial Decor: Handmade wall paintings have been pushed aside in favor of wallpapers, tiles, and synthetic paints.
• Migration & Economic Pressures: As more people move to cities for work, younger generations are less interested in preserving this time-consuming practice.
• Lack of Recognition & Support: Unlike Madhubani, mud wall paintings have never received government backing or institutional efforts for their preservation.
• Changing Lifestyles: With joint families breaking into smaller households, the communal spirit that kept this tradition alive is fading.

As modernization takes over, this once-thriving art form is quietly slipping into obscurity.

Even though mud wall painting is fading, efforts are being made to bring it back to life. Cultural activists, NGOs, and local artists are stepping in to preserve this beautiful tradition. Some of the key initiatives include:

• Workshops & Training Programs: Teaching young artists the traditional techniques to keep the art alive.
• Bringing It into Modern Spaces: Artists are finding new ways to incorporate mud wall motifs into contemporary homes, furniture, and decorative pieces.
• Digital Documentation: Researchers and photographers are working to archive existing paintings so future generations can learn from them.
• Government & Institutional Support: There’s an ongoing push to recognize mud wall painting as an important cultural heritage and secure funding for its revival.

With the right awareness and effort, this fading art form still has a chance to survive and thrive in the modern world.

The mud wall paintings of Mithila, Bihar, are a reflection of the region’s artistic brilliance and deep cultural roots. Unlike Madhubani art, which has gained global recognition, this traditional form of painting has remained largely unknown and is now on the verge of disappearing. But with the right efforts—awareness, preservation, and adaptation—there’s still hope for its revival.

Saving this art isn’t just about keeping an old tradition alive; it’s about preserving the cultural identity of Mithila’s villages. As modernization sweeps through, it’s more important than ever to recognize and appreciate the beauty of these forgotten murals before they are lost forever.