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Mithila
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mithila (Sanskrit: मिथिला, mithilā) was a kingdom in ancient India. It existed in the eastern Gangetic plains in areas which is today spread over Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states of India, and parts of Nepal. Mithila was the capital of Videha Kingdom as per epic Mahabharata. This city is identified as modern day Janakpur in Dhanusa district of Nepal. The country of Videha is sometimes referred as Mithila though it was the capital city, much the same way as Kosala Kingdom is referred as Ayodhya though Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala kingdom.
The legend of Mithila extends over many centuries. Both Gautama Buddha and Vardamana Mahavira are said to have lived in Mithila. It also formed the center of Indian history during the first millennium, and has contributed to various literary and scriptural works.
The dialect spoken in Mithila is Maithili. This dialect is categorised under the Bihari subset of the numerous dialects of Hindi, the most prevalently spoken language in India.
The most important reference to Mithila is in the Hindu epic, Ramayana where Lord Rama's wife Sita is said to have been the princess of the land, born to King Janaka, who ruled Mithila from Janakpur.
Mithila is also the name of a style of Hindu art created in the Mithila area. It started as ritual geometric and symbolic decorations of households done by women, especially before a marriage, on the walls and floors of a house, and not known to many outside the region. After paper was brought to the area, women began to sell their artwork and expand their subjects to popular and local Hindu deities as well as to the depiction of everyday events. Ganga Devi is perhaps the most famous Mithila artist; she illustrated traditional ritual Mithila decorations, depictions of popular deities, scenes from the Ramayana, and events in her own life.
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The whole Mithila region is situated in the northern plain of Ganges. Main places in this region are Darbhanga, Madhubani and Janakpur, Janakpur is now in Nepal's region. The climate in this region is mainly dry and cool. In summers the temperature wanders around the 35 to 45 degree Celsius range and in winter it is 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. This area is very near to the mean sea level hence the winter becomes uncomfortable. The months of February to March and then October to November are the best ones to roam around.
The soil is suited for agriculture, which is the region's main economic stake. Rainfall is sufficient for agriculture.
Agriculture is the main economic stake of the region. Main crops are paddy, wheat, pulses, moong, urad, arhar, jute (with a recent decline in its production), and maize. These days, with agriculture not able to compete with other parts of the country, it's becoming one of the most backward regions. Flood destroys enormous amounts of crop every year.
This part of the land is rich with culture and traditions. People here respect their parents and believe in peaceful life. With a strong belief in God, they generally live in larger families. Main cultural extravaganza happens during marriages and festivals; Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja, Chhath, Shivratri, Madhushravni (mainly concerned with newly married couples), and Muharram are the most celebrated ones.
A small film industry also exists. Of the many movies produced in Mailthili, "Sasta Jingi Mahag Senoor" is perhaps the best known.
Natives of this region are called Maithil.