pats (Madhubani Painting)

These paintings were executed as part of Sanskara rites and Vrata observances which are still obligatory for women in some households of North Bihar. Jayakar (69:39) states that the ancient purpose of these drawings must have been propitiatory, that is, as symbols to induce fertility, to awaken energy (shakti), to propitiate the earth, and to solicit protection from malignant forces, disease, and sorcery. Today, these paintings are also important for the visible education they provide of the great epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata) and for their rich religious vocabulary.

A double black ink outline of approximately 1 cm. Within which diagonal lines are drawn is used for the basic drawing of all figures and forms in this style of painting.

Representation of Ganesh, son of Shiva.

Handmade paper, painted with dark blue border, then a border of scallops crosshatched with black lines. Large figure with yellow skin and thin trunk-like projection down middle of face. Figure wearing pink and blue pants and is seated in padmasana position with red and yellow flower at feet. Background filled with flowers in red, yellow, and orange with green leaves. Reverse side has writing in top left corner, "D.I. (P) CON 112 Rs. 6.20"; bottom left corner has script; right corner is possibly artist's signature?