HistoryTV18 spotlights Bihar’s rich artistic heritage in new two part special

MUMBAI: Some masterpieces hang in galleries; others are stitched, woven and shaped into everyday life. HistoryTV18 is turning the spotlight on Bihar’s centuries-old artistic traditions with a new two-part documentary special that traces the state’s rich craft heritage through the communities keeping these traditions alive.

Presented in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar, ‘Bihar – The Land of Art & Crafts’ explores how the state’s diverse artistic practices have evolved from local customs into cultural symbols recognised across India and beyond.

Spread across two episodes, the special journeys through Bihar’s craft traditions, highlighting not only their historical significance but also their continuing role in supporting livelihoods, empowering local communities and preserving cultural knowledge across generations.

The first episode focuses on some of Bihar’s best-known art forms, including Madhubani (Mithila) painting, celebrated for its vibrant colours, geometric motifs and mythological narratives; Sujni embroidery, where handcrafted textiles become a medium for storytelling and social expression; the state’s centuries-old stone carving tradition centred around Gaya, Nalanda and Patna; and terracotta craft, where clay is transformed into objects of worship, decoration and everyday utility.

The second episode shifts attention to other distinctive traditions, beginning with Bhagalpuri silk, also known as Tussar silk, whose handwoven fabrics have earned recognition in domestic and international markets. It also explores Sikki grass craft, an environmentally sustainable craft closely associated with the Mithila region and women’s livelihoods; Manjusha painting from Bhagalpur, inspired by the folklore of Bihula-Bishahari; and Tikuli art, which has evolved from the traditional craft of ornamental bindis into a contemporary decorative art form.

Together, the documentaries present Bihar as a living repository of craftsmanship rather than a collection of historical artefacts, showing how traditional skills continue to adapt while remaining rooted in local identity and community life.

Beyond showcasing artistic excellence, the series also examines the wider economic and social significance of these crafts, particularly their contribution to rural employment, women’s empowerment and the preservation of intergenerational knowledge.

With cultural tourism emerging as an increasingly important focus for Indian states, the collaboration between HistoryTV18 and the Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar seeks to position Bihar not only as a destination of historical monuments but also as a vibrant centre of living artistic traditions.

‘Bihar – The Land of Art & Crafts’ will air on HistoryTV18 over two consecutive evenings Monday, July 20 at 8 pm and Tuesday, July 21 at 9 pm.