Collection: Ambika Devi

Carrying on an artistic tradition passed down from mother to daughter, Devi learned the craft of Madhubani painting from her mother, Smt. Leela Devi, at the age of 12. Coming from Bihar, where, around 35 years ago, girls' education was not considered a necessity, Ambika blossomed into a Madhubani artist

The middlemen soon approached Ambika Devi, offering to sell her Mithila paintings under their name. She readily agreed, hoping to earn at least some money. She began creating art and handing it over to the middlemen, who sold it for thousands but paid her only in the hundreds.

During this time, Ambika realized how difficult life is for an artisan trying to make a living from their art. After this realization, and with help from an acquaintance, she started selling her art directly under her own name, earning thousands. After receiving widespread appreciation for her work, she visited her village in Bihar. There, she gathered 15-20 women and shared her experience with Mithila art, explaining how it had benefited her. She encouraged them to come learn the craft and sell their own work.

Ambika began teaching these women Mithila art, paper mache, sewing, and other crafts. Since then, she has trained around 100 women from her village, helping them earn extra income. Not only that, but she also taught them how to use their money wisely and save for a better future for their children. Thanks to their hard-earned money and knowledge of Madhubani art, the village women are now financially stable.