Why in the News?

• The Prime Minister of India gifted a wooden railway toy set and a jigsaw puzzle based on Indian folk art to US Vice President J D Vance’s Kids in France during his two-day visit to the European country.

Key Points: 

Wooden Railway Toy:

=> Crafted from natural wood and painted with eco-friendly vegetable dyes, this toy ensures child safety and environmental awareness.

=> This wooden railway toy was described as "a timeless classic" that combines nostalgia with sustainability.

Jigsaw Puzzle:

=> It depicts the rich art heritage of India by incorporating various folk painting styles like Kalighat art of West Bengal, Santhal paintings of Santhal tribe and Madhubani paintings of Bihar.

Wooden Alphabet Set:

=> It is a durable, safe, and engaging learning tool, which enhances skills and cognitive abilities.

Madhubani Art:

Origin:

• Madhubani painting originated in the Mithila region of Bihar .
• This painting is one of the oldest and most famous Indian art forms, which is also practiced in Nepal.
• Traces of Madhubani art can also be seen in the Indian epic Ramayana.
• It is also known as Mithila or Madhubani art.

Features:

• These paintings are popular due to their tribal motifs and use of bright earthy colours.
• Traditionally village women used to draw these paintings on the walls of their homes as a display of their feelings, hopes and thoughts.

Style:

• It includes geometric patterns, floral, animal and bird motifs.

Colours:

• The colours used in the paintings are made from natural extracts obtained from plants and other natural sources.
• For example: black colour is made by mixing soot with cow dung; blue colour is made from indigo; white colour is made from rice powder; orange colour is made from palash flowers, etc.