The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, continues to extend comprehensive support to cluster-based artisans by providing marketing platforms and need-based infrastructure facilities from time to time.
With this objective, a Craft Village has been established at Jitwarpur Village (Rahika Block), Bihar — a globally renowned centre of Mithila (Madhubani) painting and traditional handicrafts.
The primary aim of this initiative is to promote crafts and tourism at a single destination through a modern and integrated concept, where artisans live and work within the same ecosystem. This model enables artisans to directly exhibit and sell their products, thereby ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities. Craft items are displayed and marketed within the village itself, creating a vibrant ecosystem that integrates art, culture, tourism, and commerce.
🌿 Historic Milestone at Jitwarpur
The establishment of the Craft Village at Jitwarpur marks a historic milestone for Bihar. The project was formally inaugurated for construction works, paving the way for integrated craft and tourism development.
Nearly 400 households will directly benefit from this initiative. Jitwarpur holds a unique distinction as one of the few villages in the country to have produced the highest number of Padma Shri awardees in the field of traditional art — a remarkable record in itself.
The village is internationally recognized for its rich legacy of Mithila (Madhubani) painting and allied handicrafts, making it an ideal location for a model Craft Village.
🎨 A Remarkable Artistic Legacy
Jitwarpur is often referred to as the “School of Mithila Painting,” as artists representing all three major traditional styles of Mithila art reside here.
Prominent Padma Shri awardees from the village include:
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Jagdamba Devi (1975)
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Sita Devi (1980)
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Baua Devi (2017)
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Shivan Paswan (2024)
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Shanti Devi (2024)
In addition, Chandrakala Devi, a National Award recipient in papier-mâché art, has also made significant contributions to the handicrafts sector.
The village is home to nearly 15 National Awardees and more than 40 State Award-winning artists. Truly, every house in Jitwarpur is an art studio, and art is a primary source of livelihood for its residents.
🏗️ Craft Village Project Details
The project is being implemented under the National Handicrafts Development Programme of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in collaboration with the Bihar Museum.
The inauguration was carried out by Ravi Shankar Prasad (formerly Arun Shankar Prasad), and the programme was presided over by Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General, Bihar Museum.
A total amount of ₹9,00,02,470 has been sanctioned for the project:
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80% funded by the Ministry of Textiles
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20% contributed by Bihar Museum
Implementation responsibility has been entrusted to Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited.
🌿 Key Development Plans
The project includes:
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Construction of a modern four-room guest house near the Common Facility Centre
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Development of 12 art stalls (Madhubani painting, Godna art, papier-mâché, Sujni, terracotta, etc.)
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Grand entrance gate decorated with Madhubani paintings
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Renovation of three government ponds
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Road strengthening and installation of approximately 100 street lights
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Wall art across village houses by local artists
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Landscaping and beautification works
All works are targeted for completion within one year.
🌍 A Boon for Artists
Local MLA Mohammad Asif Ahmad described the initiative as a major blessing for Madhubani district and urged awardee artisans to actively participate and avail the benefits for sustainable growth.
The project ensures that artisans are no longer compelled to sell their creations to middlemen at low prices. Instead, they will receive fair value for their artwork and gain direct access to customers and market linkages.
🎉 A Moment of Pride and Achievement
The inauguration ceremony witnessed a festive atmosphere. Villagers and awardee artisans welcomed guests with traditional band music and floral showers. The laying of the foundation stone marked not just the beginning of infrastructure development but a historic step toward strengthening Mithila art, culture, and self-reliance.
Under one roof, visitors will now experience exclusive handcrafted products and live demonstrations of Mithila (Madhubani) painting and other traditional crafts.
🎨 Direct Interaction & Marketing Opportunities
The Craft Village will enable artisans to:
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Interact directly with tourists and buyers
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Demonstrate their artistic skills live
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Build strong marketing linkages
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Sell products without middlemen
This direct artisan-to-customer model ensures fair pricing, better income, and enhanced confidence among craftsmen while motivating the younger generation to continue the artistic tradition.
📈 Economic Growth & Cultural Advancement
The Craft Village will:
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Create a structured and permanent marketing platform
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Boost business and tourism opportunities
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Generate employment
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Contribute to state revenue
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Support overall economic development
From now onwards, Jitwarpur will not only be recognized as a historic art village but also as a vibrant cultural and economic hub. Through art, the village has strengthened its identity on the national and global stage.
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