Shweta Suman, a mithila painting artist from Patna, Bihar, is a mother of two, a vivid observer, and a passionate art lover. Her childhood inclination towards painting gradually transformed into a lifelong pursuit during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she dedicated herself to learning the rich heritage of Mithila and Madhubani art. What began as a hobby soon evolved into her profession, as she undertook formal online courses and sharpened her skills under the influence of several stalwarts of Madhubani painting, including Padma Shri awardees.
With over four years of experience, Shweta has not only honed her own craft but has also been committed to empowering other women by providing free training in Madhubani painting, enabling them to gain financial independence and stand on their own feet. Her work embodies the vibrancy of Bihar’s cultural traditions while offering a contemporary sensibility rooted in personal expression. As a promising artist, she carries forward the legacy of senior masters of Madhubani art, blending tradition with modernity, and inspiring the next generation to preserve and innovate within this timeless art form. She is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She provides free training in Mithila painting to students and, notably, to other women. This dedication aims to empower them, helping them achieve financial independence and stand on their own feet, thus inspiring the next generation to preserve and innovate within this cultural treasure.
Shanti Devi Paswan, is an eminent Mithila artist renowned for her pioneering role in reviving the Godna style of painting. Traditionally rooted in the tattoo practices of Mithila women, Godna motifs carry ritualistic, symbolic, and cultural significance. Shanti Devi transformed this tattoo tradition into a vibrant visual art form, giving it fresh recognition within the broader sphere of Madhubani Painting. Her journey as an artist was shaped by determination against social and economic odds. Over the decades, she has developed a distinctive style that merges traditional symbolism with reflections on social and cultural issues, keeping the art form both authentic and relevant to contemporary contexts.
Apart from her individual practice, Shanti Devi has dedicated herself to teaching and training. She has mentored many women artists, particularly from rural Bihar, enabling them to find livelihood opportunities through painting and thereby ensuring the continuity of Mithila’s artistic heritage. Her works have been showcased nationally and internationally, positioning her among the foremost carriers of Mithila’s visual traditions. In recognition of her lifelong contribution to art and culture, the Government of India awarded her the Padma Shri in 2024, making her one of the most respected torchbearers of Mithila painting today.
Shivan Paswan (b. March 4, 1956, Madhubani, Bihar) is a distinguished Mithila artist, acclaimed for his mastery of Godna painting. With over five decades of practice, he has contributed immensely to the preservation and promotion of this unique artform, rooted in the tattoo traditions of Mithila. Emerging from Laheriyaganj in Madhubani, Shivan Paswan dedicated his life to visual arts, developing a style that blends cultural heritage with nuanced contemporary sensibilities. His works have been exhibited at major craft bazaars across India—including New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chennai—as well as on international platforms in Italy, Denmark, Nepal, and Dubai.
In recognition of his artistic excellence, Shivan Paswan has been conferred with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (2024), National Award (1984–85), and the State Award of Bihar (1980–81). Other honors include the Ashok Chakra Udyog Vibhag Bihar Award (1985), Chetna Samiti Award (1993), and the Sita Devi Puraskar (2007).As one of the foremost exponents of Godna and Mithila painting, Shivan Paswan continues to inspire generations of artists, carrying forward a legacy that celebrates both tradition and innovation in Indian folk art.
