In India, the state of Bihar is a land so old as to have seen the birth of two major religions, namely, Buddhism and Jainism. Not only has it been the abode of the world's oldest university, it has witnessed the world's first republic in Vaishali and much more. As such, it is home to many a great cultural practices. Among the many, one of the major art practices to have come out of Bihar is that of Tikuli art. It is a form of painting that is about 800 years old and was initially employed to adorn women's foreheads as decorative bindis. Over the years, the art form has evolved into a significant cultural symbol and a means of livelihood for many, especially in Patna.
The term "Tikuli" is derived from the Hindi word 'tikli,' meaning bindi—a traditional decorative ornamentation worn on the forehead by Indian women. Historically, Tikuli art was practiced during the Mauryan period, as evidenced by ancient sculptures depicting women with ornate bindis. Gradually, this art form broadened its scope from adorning women's foreheads to being featured on various objects like wall hangings, trays, and coasters, reflecting scenes from Indian mythology and daily life.
In the mid-20th century, Tikuli art faced the threat of extinction due to industrialisation and changing aesthetic preferences. The revival of this art form is largely credited to artist Upendra Maharathi, who innovated by using enamel paints on hardboard instead of traditional glass, making the art more durable, palatable and marketable. His efforts laid the foundation for the contemporary resurgence of Tikuli art.
Another artist, Ashok Kumar Biswas, remains instrumental in reviving Tikuli art in the last few decades, carrying on Maharathi's tradition. Over 8,000 artists, many of whom are women from rural backgrounds, have been trained by Biswas, who operates out of a small workshop in Nasriganj village near Patna. Owing to his commitment, he was given the Padma Shri award, which acknowledged his important role in maintaining and advancing this age-old art form. [To go on an art trail in Bihar, click here]
For many women in Bihar, tikuli art has been a source of empowerment. Women have contributed to their family and become financially independent by acquiring this craft. To fund her children's schooling, Arti Devi from Nasriganj village, for example, has been doing Tikuli art for more than ten years and makes up to INR 9,000 a month. These anecdotes highlight how Tikuli art can change people's lives and communities.
The glossy texture, vibrant colours, and intricate designs that define Tikuli art set it apart. Artists typically begin with hardboards and use enamel paints to create complex compositions. MDF board and paint are the two primary raw materials utilised in Tikuli crafts. Handcrafted by artisans, this product is one of a kind. About 300–500 artist families regularly depend on these crafts for their living in the Patna town of Bihar's Digha, Danapur, and Gai Ghat mahallas. Commonly depicted are rural life, cultural festivals, and Indian mythology, particularly the tales of Lord Krishna. Its unconventional style combines elements of Madhubani painting and Mughal miniature art to provide a distinctive visual look.
Tikuli art has become more and more popular with items now offered for sale in places like Kolkata, Varanasi, and Patna. The artists involved in Tikuli art now have easier access to markets because of groups like the Sasha Association for Craft Producers, which has expanded their audience. The Bihar government has also put measures in place to support Tikuli art with training courses and participation in national art fairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Textiles.
In order to acknowledge Tikuli art's distinctive cultural legacy and connect it to its Bihar origin, efforts are also being made to obtain a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for it. For the protection and promotion of Tikuli art, both domestically and internationally, the Bihar Museum is actively gathering documentation to support this proposal.
