In Shorts
• Bihar first Craft Village established at Jitwarpur to promote Mithila painting and handicrafts
• ₹9 crore project aims to boost artisan livelihood through tourism and direct sales
• Infrastructure upgrades include art stalls, guest house, lighting and village beautification
A new model that combines traditional craftsmanship with tourism is taking shape in Bihar with the establishment of a dedicated Craft Village at Jitwarpur in Madhubani district. The initiative is designed to bring artisans and visitors together in one location where local craftsmen can live, work, exhibit and directly sell their creations.
Supported by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the project focuses on strengthening infrastructure in craft intensive villages and creating tourism linked cultural hubs. The goal is to generate sustainable livelihoods for artisans by eliminating dependence on middlemen and improving access to markets.
Jitwarpur, a village of nearly four hundred households, holds a unique place in India artistic landscape. It has produced the highest number of Padma Shri awardees from a single village and is internationally recognised for its legacy of Mithila or Madhubani painting. The development of the Craft Village here is expected to enhance tourism potential while preserving this centuries old artistic tradition.
Often referred to as the School of Mithila Painting, the village is home to artists representing all three major styles of the art form. Eminent Padma Shri awardees from the village include Jagdamba Devi, Sita Devi, Baua Devi, Shivan Paswan and Shanti Devi. National Award winning papier mache artist Chandrakala Devi has also contributed significantly to the village artistic identity.
The project is being implemented under the Ministry of Textiles National Handicrafts Development Programme in collaboration with Bihar Museum. A total fund of ₹9,00,02,470 has been sanctioned, with 80 percent financed by the Ministry and the remaining 20 percent contributed by Bihar Museum. Execution responsibility has been assigned to Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited.
Development plans include a modern guest house near the Common Facility Centre, twelve art stalls dedicated to Madhubani painting, Godna art, papier mache, Sujni and terracotta crafts, renovation of three government ponds, road strengthening and installation of nearly one hundred street lights. Local artists will also decorate outer house walls with traditional Madhubani paintings while landscaping and beautification works will enhance the overall visitor experience.
Local MLA Mohammad Asif Ahmad described the initiative as a major boost for artists in Madhubani district. With designated stalls and direct access to buyers, artisans will now be able to secure fair prices for their work without relying on intermediaries.
Beyond infrastructure, the Craft Village is expected to create a structured marketing platform where visitors can witness live demonstrations of Mithila painting and other traditional crafts. Direct interaction between artisans and customers will strengthen marketing linkages, increase income opportunities and encourage younger generations to continue the artistic heritage.
By integrating tourism connectivity with improved civic amenities and organised display areas, the initiative demonstrates how traditional art and modern development can grow together. The project is expected to generate employment, expand business prospects for artisans and contribute to regional economic growth.
With this transformation, Jitwarpur is set to emerge not only as a historic art village but also as a vibrant cultural and economic hub that will bring Mithila art to national and international audiences.
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