Author(s): Dr. Suprita Jha

Abstract: India has been a diverse country for ages. It holds several religions, castes, cultures, and languages. One of the most influencing Indian cultures is “Mithilanchal”. Mithila or Maithil culture refers to the culture which originated in the Mithila region. Mithila is an ancient cultural region of South Nepal and North India lying between the lower ranges of the Himalayas and the Ganges River. The Nepal border cuts across the top fringe of this region. The area is covered by Mithila is Darbhanga, Kosi, Purnia, Santhal Pargana, Bhagalpur, Munger of India, and some districts of Nepal. It is surrounded by the Himalayan range in the north, by the river Kosi in the East, Ganga in the South, and Gandaki in the west. Mithila is the birthplace of Sita, the beautiful daughter of King Janaka and heroine of the epic, THE RAMAYANA. The culture is famous for its songs, dance, headgear (Paag), festivals, Madhubani Paintings, cuisine, and most importantly, the life which was spent by Buddha and Mahavir. Both Mahavir and Buddha have lived and discoursed in Mithila. There is something sacred in the air that is impacting every aspect of life in Mithilanchal. Mithila region has always been a source of pride for all living in the state or outside for its Mithila painting, preserved heritage such as aripan (a variation of Rangoli) and murals. Above all, Mithilanchal is also called the land of scholars and great educationists. The great Maithli poet Vidyapati and his writings are the source of inspiration for so many other writers. A collection of hundreds of his poems titled the Padavalli is still the source for the most romantic poetry describing the love between Krishna (the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Radha. The present paper proposes to highlight some of the grand characteristics of Mithila Culture which are about to diminish in the flash of Modernity.

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