It is never late to discover one’s true calling. Master artist Vidyanath Jha was in his 20s when tragedy struck his family, forcing him to look for livelihood. During a recent visit to the city to introduce Madhubani art to enthusiasts, the master artist from Bihar traced his journey, giving them lessons that go beyond art and embrace life. Organised by Heart for Art, the session at Lamakaan was a fascinating one as Vidyanath accompanied by his artist son Krishna Kumar Jha, narrated his passionate story. He recalls, that with two sisters Bachoudi and Lakshmi Devi, Vidyanath’s mother and aunt has created exquisite Madhubani art on their walls. “There was a time when my family was in a crisis. I had no job and didn’t know how to help them. My sister was very good with Madhubani works. Since I had an interest in drawing, I asked her if I could also learn and do this painting,” says Vidyanath adding, “When a door closes, another one opens, to help us move forward.”
Armed with this confidence, the youngster picked up a brush and charted out a new chapter. Traditionally done by women in villages, the line drawings, filled in by bright colours, form a significant feature of Madhubani art. “Although villagers made fun of me saying, ‘I was doing a ladies job’, I never took their comments seriously. I was dedicated and went ahead to pursue it,” he recalls. His determination helped him grow, as did the experience at different handicraft workshops. Now his family comprising his wife, four daughters and a son, creates works in Madhubani.
The themes and motifs of Madhubani are rooted in Hindu mythology and epics, religious rituals and local flora and fauna. Although the themes are mythological, Vidyanath points out the number of artists doing Madhubani has increased.
“Earlier the themes were on Ramayana, Mahabharat, Devi Charitra, Shiv Puraan and the rituals in Mithila, which continue even now.” The art has got a fillip as artistes started transferring Madhubani on the clothes. “If an artist is depicting Sita Swayamvar, the painting will be accompanied by designing in the sides which will immediately attract the customers,” he states and adds, “There is also a finesse in the strokes now.” He shares how even uneducated, rustic women would draw Ramayan on the walls in Madhubani. “More people came into the field when the art spread.”
Madhubani has distinctive styles - Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna and KohbarHe can do complex works in Madhubani like the Krishna ka viraat roop, Kali or Durga ka Mahishasur Mardhini roop . He shares proudly that even at 67, he can paint without spectacles.
Although now a renowned artist, Vidyanath cherishes his role as a guru. “I have taught many youngsters in my village. Some of them didn’t even have food to eat but now, they are all doing well and when we meet, they touch my feet and call me a god. I tell them, I am just a marg darshak . I believe when one passes on this knowledge by Goddess Saraswati, he will get more in return.”
