Jagdamba Devi (1901–1984) of Bhajparaul village holds a landmark place in the story of Mithila art: she was the first Madhubani painter ever to receive the Padma Shri (1975), at a moment when the floor-and-wall art of Maithil women was first being recognised as fine art for the world. Working in the rich, colour-filled Bharni style, she was among the artists encouraged by the All India Handicrafts Board’s Bhaskar Kulkarni to paint on paper for sale.
Her national honour opened the door through which a whole lineage of women — Sita Devi, Ganga Devi, Mahasundari Devi, Baua Devi and the rest — would walk, turning a domestic ritual art into one of India’s most celebrated traditions.