Icons of Mithila
Celebrating the legends who shaped the identity of Mithilanchal.
Literature & Wisdom
Vidyapati
Known as 'Maithil Kavi Kokil' (Poet Cuckoo of Mithila), Vidyapati (14th Century) is the pillar of Maithili literature. He served in the court of Raja Shiva Singh and was a devotee of Lord Shiva, who is believed to have served him as a servant named Ugna. His songs of love (Padavali) and devotion (Nachari) influenced the Bhakti movement and are sung in every Maithil home today. He also wrote 'Purusa Pariksha', 'Likhanabli', and 'Manipunj'.
Learn More →Gonu Jha
The legendary jester and wise minister in the court of King Hari Singh (13th Century). Often compared to Birbal or Tenali Rama, Gonu Jha is famous for his sharp wit, humor, and ability to solve complex problems with common sense. His stories, 'Gonu Jha ke kisse', are an integral part of Mithila's oral tradition, teaching lessons through laughter.
Learn More →Nagarjun (Yatri)
Vaidyanath Mishra, popularly known as Nagarjun or 'Jankavi' (People's Poet). A progressive writer who wrote in both Hindi and Maithili (under the pen name Yatri). His work often critiqued social injustices and political corruption. He famously said, 'I am the son of the soil'.
Learn More →Mandan Mishra
An 8th-century philosopher of Mimamsa and Advaita Vedanta. He famously debated Adi Shankaracharya at his home in Mahishmati (modern-day Saharsa/Madhubani). His wife, Ubhaya Bharati, served as the judge. After his defeat, he became a disciple of Shankara, known as Suresvaracharya.
Learn More →Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
The 'Rashtrakavi' (National Poet) of India. Born in Simaria, his powerful poetry in 'Rashmirathi' and 'Kurukshetra' inspired the freedom struggle and remains relevant for its themes of valor and justice.
Learn More →Arts & Music
Sharda Sinha
A Padma Bhushan awardee and the voice of Bihar. Her 'Chhath' songs are legendary and essential to the festival's atmosphere. She has brought Maithili folk music to the national stage with Bollywood hits like 'Kahe Toh Se Sajna' and 'Taar Bijli', while preserving the purity of traditional wedding and seasonal songs.
Learn More →Udit Narayan
One of the most successful playback singers in Bollywood history, hailing from Saharsa/Supaul. With 4 National Awards and a Padma Bhushan, he has recorded thousands of songs in 36 languages, putting Mithila on the global musical map.
Learn More →Baua Devi
A Padma Shri awardee from Jitwarpur, she is a pioneer of Mithila Painting. She was among the first artists to transfer the traditional wall art to paper in the 1960s, experimenting with themes beyond mythology, including social issues and fierce forms of Kali.
Learn More →Godawari Dutta
A master of the Kachni (line art) style and a Padma Shri awardee. She has represented Mithila art internationally, including in Japan, where her work is highly revered. She established a museum and training center to pass on the tradition.
Learn More →Modern Icons
Maithili Thakur
A classical and folk singer who became a digital sensation. Trained in Indian Classical music, she has revived interest in traditional Maithili songs among the youth with her soulful renditions and active promotion of Maithil culture.
Learn More →Bhawana Kanth
One of the first three female fighter pilots of India. A native of Darbhanga, she shattered glass ceilings and became a symbol of women empowerment, inspiring countless girls in the region.
Learn More →Nitin Chandra
A filmmaker committed to the linguistic and cultural revival of Bihar. His film 'Mithila Makhaan' won the National Award (2016). He actively promotes Maithili language and cinema through his platform 'Bejod'.
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