Brushstrokes and Trade-offs: The Hidden Economy of Madhubani

Abstract

Madhubani painting, also called Mithila painting, has gone from being a household practice to an economic activity that supports many women in Bihar, India. Although the literature on the subject focuses on empowerment, culture, and income, this qualitative secondary analysis aims to highlight the economic costs of the activity. The paper is based on peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and historical artist testimonials published between 2019 and 2025. The concept of opportunity cost is applied to artistic labour in the analysis. It identifies four components of hidden costs of Madhubani art: low profitability in comparison to other rural professions, sacrifice of human capital, intergenerational occupational exit, and exploitation by intermediaries. The authors argue that accounting for opportunity costs of Madhubani art is crucial for a complete evaluation of the art as an economic activity and for the formulation of effective support policies.