Godawari Dutta, icon of the specialised style of painting, Madhubani, which is bestowed with the Geographical Identification (GI) status, passed away recently on August 14 at the age of 93, leaving behind a strong legacy of art she loved, nurtured, and nourished since the tender age of six. Named after a district of the eastern Indian state of Bihar, where it originated, Madhubani art is a distinct style of painting that is practised in the Mithila region of India and also in the adjoining areas in Nepal. It is believed that the art originated in the mythological Mithila when the king asked the subjects to decorate their houses to capture the moments of rituals and celebrations held to mark the marriage of his daughter, Seeta ,with the Hindu god Rama, prince of Ayodhya.
The art, serving as a timeless bridge from the past, was traditionally practised by female members of the families. Thus, Godawari was initiated into it by her own mother. She dedicated all her life to it by teaching the art to local communities for its preservation and also promotion of economic self-reliance of the women, and also brought international acclaim to it by propagating it in the distant lands of Japan and Germany.
A profound testament to India’s artistic heritage of cultural diversity and artistic ingenuity, Madhubani painting serves as a cultural identity for local women, preserving their history and traditions through visual storytelling. It acts as a medium for narrating tales, myths, and le.