Padma Shri Dulari Devi
Padma Shri Dulari Devi is one of India's most celebrated Madhubani (Mithila) artists, renowned for preserving and promoting the rich folk art traditions of Bihar. Born in 1968 in the Madhubani district, she overcame significant social and economic challenges to become an internationally recognized artist and was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2021.
Without formal education, Dulari Devi learned the art of Madhubani painting under the guidance of legendary artists Mahasundari Devi and Karpoori Devi. Her work beautifully reflects the cultural heritage, traditions, festivals, mythology, nature, and everyday life of the Mithila region. She is skilled in both the traditional Kachni (fine line work) and Bharni (vibrant colour-filled) styles, with a special preference for the latter.
Her remarkable artworks have been exhibited in India and internationally, including the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, while her contemporary works documenting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have been added to the Princeton University Graphic Arts Collection. In addition to creating exceptional artworks, she actively mentors young artists as an instructor at the Madhubani Art Institute, helping preserve this centuries-old art form for future generations.
At PaintzStories, we are honoured to collaborate with Padma Shri Dulari Devi and her family, sharing their extraordinary artworks and inspiring artistic legacy with art lovers around the world.