In the fertile plains of northern Bihar and the eastern Terai of Nepal lives the Maithil people, heirs to the ancient kingdom of Mithila. Speakers of the Maithili language, famed for their goddess worship, their vibrant Madhubani paintings, and their deep roots in the Ramayana as the people of Sita’s birthplace, they are one of the oldest and most distinctive communities of the Indian subcontinent.

From the philosopher-king Janaka and the poet Vidyapati to the world-renowned folk art of Mithila, the Maithil people carry a heritage of scholarship, devotion, and creativity that reaches back to the Vedic age. This article traces their origins, language, homeland, society, religion, and traditions, and the living culture that binds Mithila across the India-Nepal border today.

Mithila Culture on Film

Contents

• Origins
• The Name
• The Language
• The Homeland
• The Old Way of Life
• Society and Community
• Religion and Belief
• Traditions
• Crafts
• Food
• Festivals
• History
• Today

Origins

The Name

The Language

The Homeland

The Old Way of Life

Society and Community

Religion and Belief

Traditions

Crafts

Food

Festivals

History

Today

Related Peoples of the Region

• The Rajasthanis
• The Manipuris
• The Naga
• The Konkani People
• The Tulu People

More Peoples of the World

• The Han Chinese
• The Maori
• The Zulu
• The Maya
• The Amazigh
• The Navajo
• The Ainu