Art of Mithila

Of all art-style of the Indian subcontinent, the art of Mithila (indigenous to the cross-border area of Bihar, India and Nepal) is one of the most popular and endearing-with its distinctive and individualized cartoonist figures. The art of Mithila has enjoyed a recent revival and many Maithili women have been encouraged to express themselves in this medium which traditionally adorns their stucco homes. The Art of Mithila by Dr. Srivastava is a comprehensive study on Mithila art from the earliest time from a historic and cultural perspective. The book is devoted exdusively to the analysis in detail of different aspects of the Art of Mithila and its position in Indian art: There is also a selected bibliography and a useful index.

The Art of Mithila should be of interest to anyone-layman or art student-who appreciates Mithila art and would like to gain a further insight.

About the Author

Kamal Shankar Srivastava was born in Varanasi. He received his M. A. degree in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, followed by post-graduate degree in Museology from Banaras Hindu University Varanasi in 1981, when he was awarded Gold Medal for his meritorious performance. In 1985, he was awarded a Ph.D. degree from Banaras Hindu University. He received the first D. Litt. Degree in History from L. N. Mithila University Darbhanga on his post-doctoral thesis entitled "ART OF MITHILA (from the earliest time to the Mediaeval period in 1994)". He is a life fellow of the Numismatics Society of India, Museum Association of India, Indian Social Science Academy, and Bihar Puravid Parishad, Patna. He is also an Executive Member of the Centre for Buddhist Culture, Patna. He has to his credit several research papers and articles. He is the author of following books:

1. The Elephant in early Indian Art (from Indus Valley Civilisation to A. D. 650)
2. A Survey of Buddhist Sculptures of Magadha
3. History of Magadha
4. The Art of Magadha

Since 1984 he is serving in the Bihar Administrative Service.

About the Book

The Art of Mithila (from the earliest time to Mediaeval Period) by Dr. Srivastava is mainly based upon his post-doctoral dissertation approved for the degree of Doctor of Literature (D. Litt.) by the L. N. Mithila University, Darbhanga. The work consists of following chapters:

1. Introduction
2. Mithila in Literature
3. Mithila in Ancient India
4. The Art of Mithila through the ages
5. Conclusion

The work contains an exhaustive but selected bibliography and a useful index. It is fully illustrated (having 64 illustrations in 32 plates). The work is devoted exclusively to the analysis in detail of various aspects of the Art of Mithila and its role in Indian art, with many good illustrated examples from earliest times through to the mediaeval period.

Contents:

About the author

About the book

Foreword

Journals / reports consulted

Museums / Establishments / Sites consulted

Chapter I    Introduction

Chapter II   Mithila in Literature

Chapter III  Mithila in Ancient India 

Chapter IV   Art of Mithila through the ages

Chapter V    Mithila - Painting - A Survey    

Chapter VI   Conclusion

Bibliography

Abbreviations