Mithila / Land of The Maithil

Mithila  also known as Tirhut, Tirabhukti and Mithilanchal is a geographical and cultural region of the Indian subcontinent. 

It comprises certain parts of Bihar and Jharkhand of India and adjoining districts of the Province No. 1, Bagmati Pradesh and Madhesh Province of Nepal. 

The native language in Mithila is Maithili, and its speakers are referred to as Maithils.

Mithila is a distinct geographical region with natural boundaries like rivers and hills. It is largely a flat and fertile alluvial plain criss-crossed by numerous rivers which originate from the Himalayas. Due to the flat plains and fertile land Mithila has a rich variety of biotic resources; however, because of frequent floods people could not take full advantage of these resources. 

Seven major rivers flow through Mithila: Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda, Bagmati, Kamala, Balan, and the Budhi Gandak. They flow from the Himalayas in the north to the Ganges river in the south.

The Mithila region has a rich history and culture. It was once the center of the Ancient Mithila Kingdom, which was a major power in the Indian subcontinent. 

The Mithila Kingdom was ruled by the Videha dynasty, which was founded by King Janaka. Janaka's daughter, Sita ji , was the wife of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana epic…an Avatar of Lord Vishnu. 

The Mithila region is also known for its unique art and culture. The most famous art form of Mithila is Madhubani Painting, which is a style of folk painting that is characterized by its intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Madhubani Paintings are often used to decorate walls, floors, and furniture.

The Mithila Region is also home to a number of important religious sites, including the Janki Mandir in Janakpur, Nepal, which is dedicated to Sita. 

Other important religious sites in Mithila include the Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, India, and the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The Mithila region is a vibrant and diverse region with a rich history and culture. It is a region that is full of potential and promise.

Here are some other interesting facts about the Mithila region:

🔹The Mithila region is home to the Maithili language, which is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India.

🔹The Mithila region is known for its unique style of art and architecture, which is characterised by its intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors.

🔹The Mithila region is home to a number of important religious sites, including the Janki Mandir in Janakpur, Nepal, which is dedicated to Sita.

🔹The Mithila region is a major agricultural region, and its main crops are rice, wheat, and sugarcane…fruits.

🔹The Mithila region is also a major tourist destination, and its main attractions include the Madhubani paintings, the Janki Mandir, and the Baidyanath Temple. 

Mithila is a very distinct Region with a very distinctive culture & ethos. It must be developed as a separate cultural entity with a well thought out & comprehensive plan.

© Rohit Singh Negi / Reshmi Nair