Mahasundari Devi
| Mahasundari Devi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
April 15, 1922 Madhubani |
| Died |
July 4, 2013 (aged 91)[1] Ranti[2] |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Known for | Mithila Painting |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2011) |
Mahasundari Devi (died 4 July 2013) was an acclaimed Indian artist and Madhubani painter who won both state and national awards.[3] She was awarded the Tulsi Samman by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1995, and in 2011 she received the Padma Shri award from the Government of India.[4]
Early life
As a child, Devi was "barely literate" but began painting and learning the Madhubani art form from her aunt.[2]
Career
In 1961 Devi left the "purdah (veil) system" which was prevalent at the time and created her own niche as an artist.[5] She founded a "cooperative society" called Mithila Hastashilp Kalakar Audyogki Sahyog Samiti, which supported the growth and development of handicrafts and artists.[5] She received the National Award from the president of India, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, in 1982.[5] Devi was considered a “living legend” of the art of painting.[5] She received the Padma Shri award from the government of India, in 2011, for her contributions to the field of art.[5][6] In addition to Mathila painting, Devi was known for her expertise in clay, paper mache, sujani, and Sikki.[2] According to her family, Devi created her last painting in 2011.[2]
Personal life
Devi was a resident of Ranti village located in Madhubani, Bihar.[5] Her daughter-in-law , Bibha Das, is also an award-winning Madhubani painter.[7] Devi died on 4 July 2013 in a private hospital with sources citing her final age at 92.[2] She is survived by two daughters and three sons.[7]
References
- ↑ "Padma Shree Awardee Madhubani Painting artist Mahasundari Dev died at the age of 92". Jagran Josh. Archived from the original on 24 April 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Staff Reporter (5 July 2013). "Doyenne of Mithila painting Mahasundari Devi dies". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 March 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
- ↑ Staff Reporter (11 October 2007). "Bihar's Madhubani artists get poor returns". Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times (New Delhi).
- ↑ "Padma Awards Announced" (Press release). Ministry of Home Affairs. 25 January 2011. Archived from the original on 8 February 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Prakash, Manisha (29 May 2007). "India: Ladies' Fingers and a Flavour of Art". Hindustan Times. Women's Feature Service.
- ↑ Staff Reporter (26 January 2011). "List of Padma Awardees for 2011". Mint. New Delhi.
- 1 2 Staff Reporter (4 July 2013). "Madhubani painting artist Mahasundari Devi dead". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2013.