Padma Shri : In the field of Art-Painting

Godavari Dutta, in her 80s, is well-known in Madhubani district of Bihar for her Mithila  paintings. She has played a key role in the establishment of a Mithila museum in Japan dedicated to the paintings. In 2006, she was conferred the title of “Shilp Guru” by President of India. 

About Madhubani Paintings: 

• Nomenclature: It is named after Madhubani district in Bihar. It is also known as Mithila painting due to its origins in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. 
  
  
• Background: initial references about the paintings can be found in the Hindu epic.  
  
  
• Recognition: Madhubani painting has been given the geographical Indication (GI) status. 
  
  

Painting style: 

• It is a traditional Indian folk part depicting various subjects such as Mythological characters, social events like Marriages and Festivals, Sun and Moon etc. 
  
  
• Geometrical figures are key elements. 
  
  
• Natural dyes are used in its creation. These colours are often bright. 
  
  
• It is made on canvas, cloth or cow dung washed hand paper.