This cyclic depiction gives equal importance to man, beast and plants. Beast of burden, the donkey occupies the central space, with a man riding it, asserting his superiority over it. Donkey is important to the Maithilas because of its utility value and therefore deserves a place in their paintings. Beyond the inner circle we find plants bees and the energy producing sun. The man nevertheless is still there. It just signifies that sun, vegetation etc. is indispensable to his being. The outer circle depicts the elephant with the man riding it. This shows his supremacy over huge, wild animals also. This painting says more than it shows. It is actually an insight into the mind of the common Maithila and how she/he relates to things around him.
The corners are diagonally cut with rows of men and women. The artist has majorly used black with toned down rust and green. The Kayasth painter pays more attention to line than to colour. Their paintings are dull in colour but rich in theme. The line is also firm and bold, lending character to the painting.
This description by Kiranjyot.
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