The Art of India
Every painting we commission draws from centuries of tradition. Each art form has its own region, its own materials, its own story. Explore them here — and discover the one that speaks to you.
Browse all art forms Brush Sutra works with. Click any card to learn the history, techniques, and artists behind it — and to commission a painting in that style.
Bihar, India
Madhubani painting — also known as Mithila art — originates in the Mithila region of Bihar, where for centuries it was practised by women on the walls and floors of their homes. Created to mark festivals, weddings, and important life events, Madhubani art was a living, breathing part of daily ritual — never meant to be sold, always meant to be shared.
The tradition was largely unknown outside Bihar until 1934, when a British colonial officer surveying earthquake damage in the region discovered the extraordinary artworks on the walls of villagers' homes. Today, Madhubani is one of the most recognised Indian art forms globally. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2007.
Madhubani paintings are created using fingers, twigs, brushes made from matchsticks, and nib pens. The most recognisable feature is the double line outline, which gives the art its distinctive bold appearance. Colours are traditionally made from natural sources: turmeric for yellow, indigo for blue, lamp black for dark tones, and flowers and leaves for greens and reds.
There are five main sub-styles within Madhubani: Bharni (bold, filled forms), Kachni (fine line work), Tantrik (symbolic and ritual), Godna (tattoo-inspired patterns), and Kohbar (wedding motifs).