Since time immemorial Ram and Sita have been in the consciousness of everyone for their righteousness. Being paragon of virtue their names have been used as an example of perfect couple and their relationship has been depicted on murals and walls by artists and locals for centuries. Cut to 2016 when the definition of icons has shifted to swashbuckling cricketers and larger-than-life actors of tinsel town, designer duo of Monica and Karishma have highlighted the union of two mythological souls to make a fashion statement and perhaps set a trend of sorts.
The duo, blessed with a knack for showcasing traditional Indian crafts and heritage in a distinct new avatar, has given their take on this age-old painting on modern looking lehengas, anakarkalis and gowns. These outfits, unveiled at the recently concluded "Vogue Wedding Show" in the Capital, are for the duo’s bridal collection titled "Videha’s Siya".
The perfect couple who continue to be depicted in traditional paintings of Bihar which are created with primitive forms like twigs and fingers. Despite enhancement in the paraphernalia of artists, it is these natural instruments which make these paintings distinct.
According to Ambika Devi, Mithila artist, these paintings are made in a unique way with natural products. “For yellow colour we use turmeric. Black is obtained by mixing jaggery with gum and cow dung. It is thickened like an atta (wheat flour) before putting all the ingredients into fire. We use leaves for getting green. Chukandar and red flower are grinded to get red colour. These paintings are used on walls of homes and huts where newly weds reside.”
And it is this unique character of Mithila paintings which have been reinterpreted and contextualized on the fabric.
It is the iconic love story that propelled the duo. “Love story of Ram and Sita is endearing and needs to be told to the present generation. Through Mithila painting, which exemplify wedding celebrations, we have highlighted the couple as symbols of our cultural heritage. We went to Bihar to do in-depth research on the paintings and replicate them on bridal outfits in a way that they get maximum attention,” says Monica.
Corroborating the story, Ambika Devi says stories of Ram and Sita are narrated to every child growing up in the Mithila region. “As a child we heard stories of Ram and Sita marriage and our village is near Janakpur where Raja Janak lived.”
While making a fashion statement, the duo was conscious that the epic story of Ram and Sita, the blossoming of their love affair culminating in marriage had to be depicted in a subtle rather than in a jarring, over-the-top way.
“Ensembles are comfortable yet distinct and versatile. Fashion lovers can discern the crescent of the moon and how the magic of nature’s creations like lotuses and peacocks have been captured on outfits. Woven regal colors like Persian rose, Prussian blue, auburn. Floral motifs have been done on lehengas. Like these indigenous paintings, our bridal outfits too can be passed on from one generation to another.”
While inspiration is traditional, the collection is for the new age bride who wants to experiment with her looks. “Independent whimsical bride, who believes in doing things her own way, is the one we are targeting. Someone with a fascination for vintage heirloom and heritage in bridal ensembles.” So the trick was to show all this in modern vocabulary. Colourful and intricately embroidered jackets can be paired with lehengas. They can be a fashionable substitute for choli and dupatta, while indigenous dhoti pants can be teamed with vibrant capes or crop tops.
Unfortunately, the majestic appeal of Mithila paintings is now confined to only Bihar and neighbouring Nepal. So it becomes important to create a buzz in the market for this type of art which is hitherto practised in weddings and festivals.
“Traced to the Ramayana, Mithila paintings are not just another work of art but represent our ethos. Our collection has been crafted in heirloom fabrics to capture cultural values. Reverberation of poetry, a desire to be united with the divine are what these paintings stand for. For us choosing this ancient art was necessary in order to acquaint the people living in metros with the aesthetic beauty and ancientness of Mithila arts,” sums up Monica
