Shanti Devi Paswan

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Shanti Devi Paswan
Born (1958-03-04) 4 March 1958 (age 66)
Laheriyaganj, Bihar, India
NationalityIndian
OccupationIndian Mithila Folk Artist
Known forGodna style of Mithila painting
SpouseShivan Paswan
Parents
  • Ramchandra Paswan (father)
  • kaushalya Devi (mother)
AwardsPadma Shri

Shanti Devi Paswan is an Indian artist from Bihar, known for her work in the Godna style of Mithila painting. She belongs to the Dusadh caste, a community traditionally associated with this region. Shanti has adapted Godna painting, which has its origins in tattooing practices, into a notable form of Mithila art. [1] Her work has been showcased internationally, including in the United States, Japan, Denmark, Malaysia, Germany and Hong Kong. [2]

Contents

In January 2024, Shanti was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, for her contributions in Godna painting. [3]

Early life and career

Shanti Devi, born in Laheriaganj in the Madhubani district, started her journey in Mithila painting, facing challenges due to her Dalit background. She played a role in developing the Godna style.

Together with her husband, Shivan Paswan, Shanti Devi has trained over 20,000 artists in the Godna style, contributing to the preservation of this traditional art form. [4] In 2023, her paintings were featured at the G20 meeting in New Delhi, India. [5]

Awards and honours

In 1979-80, she received the State Award from the Government of Bihar for her contributions. [6]

In 2024, Shanti Devi received the Padma Shri from the Government of India for her contributions to the Godna style of Mithila painting. [7]

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References

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  2. "'An Artist has no Caste': Chinki Sinha in conversation with Madhubani artist Shanti Devi". Outlook . 15 August 2024. Archived from the original on 25 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  3. "Padma Awards 2024: These unsung heroes will receive Padma honours". The Times of India . 25 January 2024. ISSN   0971-8257. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  4. "Three Bihar artists awarded Padma Shri". The Hans India . 26 January 2024. Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
  5. Joy, Shemin (25 January 2024). "105-yr-old Krishna Leela singer, India's first woman mahout among 34 'unsung & unique heroes' chosen for Padma Shri". Deccan Herald . Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
  6. "Smt. Shanti Devi" (PDF). Padma Shri . Padma Awards. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 September 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  7. "Padma awards announced; India's first female elephant mahout gets Padma Shri". Hindustan Times . 25 January 2024. Archived from the original on 28 January 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.