Godawari Dutta | |
|---|---|
 Dutta (second from right) receiving the Shilp Guru award in 2008 | |
| Born | 1930 |
| Died | 14 August 2024 (aged 93) Ranti,Madhubani district,Bihar, India |
| Known for | Painter |
| Movement | Madhubani |
| Awards |
|
Godawari Dutta (1930 – 14 August 2024) was an Indian painter, known for herMadhubani paintings. She was a recipient of India's fourth highest civilian award, thePadma Shri.
Godawari Dutta was born in 1930[1] in Bahadurpur,Darbhanga district,Bihar, India. She was taught to paint by her mother, Subhadra Devi, herself an artist. At 10 years old, Dutta's father died and together with her three siblings she was brought up by her mother. Dutta married in 1947 and gave birth to a son whom she raised alone.[2]
Dutta began painting at the age of six, first on walls and then on paper only in 1971.[citation needed] Dutta was well versed in the Kayashta style ofMithila paintings, which favours black and white contrasts,[3] and she usedbamboo sticks to paint. Reoccurring themes of her art are the portrayal of characters fromRamayana andMahabharata, as well as events of daily life such as marriage or dance. Dutta trained both students and teachers under India'sCentre for Cultural Resources and Training.[4]
Dutta had frequently visited Germany and Japan, where she would stay at times for up to a year.[2] A set of works that she created during that time were displayed inMithila Museum inTakomachi, Japan, andFukuoka Asian Art Museum.[5][6]
In December 1983, Dutta founded Mithila Kala Viaks Samiti, anNGO that aims to fight poverty through education, and to promote the Madhubani style of painting. The organization is engaged in designing and implementing programmes for disadvantaged communities.[citation needed] Dutta also helped rural women to become financially independent, and was a proponent of girls’ education.[4]
In 2019, Dutta was awarded thePadma Shri by PresidentRam Nath Kovind.[6]
Dutta died on 14 August 2024, at the age of 93.[7]
 | This article about an Indian painter is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |