Indian arts and handicrafts, the pinnacle of the workmanship of Indian craftsmen, have, since time immemorial, captivated the imagination of people, globally. The priceless legacy of our rich heritage, each piece of art carries an unrivalled charm, elegance and mystic charisma. Bihar's rural handicrafts comprise of hand-painted wall hangings, wooden stools, miniatures in paper and leaves, stone pottery, bamboo, leather goods, and applique work. But Bihar's most famous and fascinating indigenous art form is its Madhubani school of painting, a strict monopoly of the women of Mithila. It illustrates mythological themes, incorporating images of local deities as well as Hindu gods and goddesses. 

Mithila Paintings

Also known as Madubani paintings.The folk paintings of the women of Mithila are the exclusive monopoly of the women artists. The Brahmans’ and the Kshatriyas’ pictorial style is known as MITHILA.Mithila paintings are famous the world over for their intricate designs and motifs.

The women of Mithila are largely illiterate and these exquisite paintings created for ritual ocassions are a means of their cultural expression. Young girls are encouraged to learn the art in their childhood. This enables them to learn early and pick up the tricks of the trade.

The origin of some of the motifs still used by the tribal communities have roots from a very ancient times. 
The theme of these paintings mainly revolves around the mythological characters.The paintings are largely devoted to female deities Durga, Kali and Gauri. Goddess Durga atop her tiger is a common representation. Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of wealth, is a newer and common addition to the repertoire of Mithila symbolism. 

Among the male deities Ganesha, Krishna and Shiva are more commonly depicted. Trees, birds and animals are extensively used in combination with other ritual and religious paintings. Probably the most powerful symbolism is the one associated with Duragoman Puren. The snake goddess is also very often depicted in the paintings. 

The art of Mithila is alsdo linked to religious ceremonies, particularly marriage and its consequence, procreation in Bihar.

Applique means carrying over of impression from one textile matter to another. The tradition of appliqué work is as old as the temples themselves. This art was initially patronized by temples and other religious institutions. The basic inspiration of the art form was mainly religious in nature.
Bihar also has a tradition of appliqué work. The unique feature of this appliqué is the continuity of the motif from the beginning to the end without any joint or break in the motif cloth.

Bamboo products

Bihar is greatly noted for its bamboo work.The use of cut bamboo as a containers to drink water is an ancient practsice; as also simple scoops for kitchen use. Large containers far storing grain are a comman sight. In fact the rural people in remote, bamboo graving are as still keep their precious possessions in bamboo basket with side. Finely shaped lamps and lanterns, elegant furniture, complete tableware, travel kit, almost anything seems possible to get from the bamboo. 

As a natural fibre, it has many advantages over synthetics.A luxurious range of jute home decor products are available to suite different life styles. Cushion covers, table-mats, table covers, tea cosies add a touch of class to the interiors. Exquisite jute floor coverings are till date unmatched in their elgance. Jute garments are available for all occasions, in hand printed, embroidered and tie and dyed variety.

Chhau is the most vibrant and popular dance of Bihar.The word 'Chhau' comes from the Sanskrit root 'Chhaya' meaning shade.Chhau dance is performed by only the men of the region.
which depicting 

Mask is the most important ingredient of this art, the performers also carry swords and shields with them, during the dance. The dance is performed on a well-lit dais, which is decorated and brilliantly lit with a large number of torches, lanterns and flickering oil lamps. 

The body language is extremely poetic and powerful. The legs form an effective means of communicating the expression.Immense vitality and virility can be seen in this dance.

It can be performed solo, in a group or in a dance-drama fashion. The themes are taken from nature, mythology.They also depict nature and the animal world. ‘Sagara Nritya’ (ocean dance), ‘Sarpa Nritya’ (serpent dance), ‘Mayura Nritya’ (peacock dance), etc., are examples of the different forms of dances. 

The music is based on Hindustani ragas and the accompaniment is with a Nagara, a huge kettledrum, Dhol, a cylindrical drum, and a Shehnai or a reed pipe.