The Living Legends of Mithila- A Literary Exception

Poet Jyotirmaya Thakur

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The Living Legends of Mithila- A Literary Exception

I am delighted and overwhelmed to write a brief about the upcoming second series of The Living Legends of Mithila by Vivekananda Jha. This remarkable collection will continue to honour Mithila’s rich cultural and literary heritage, spotlighting the legends who have contributed significantly to its traditions. As part of this effort, poets and readers from the Global Poet and Poetry platform will be privileged to engage with and celebrate these timeless stories and figures, profoundly connecting us to the past.
I look forward to fostering a meaningful connection between this esteemed publication and the global literary community, ensuring that Mithila’s legacy’s beauty and wisdom reach an even wider audience.

The Living Legends of Mithila is a literary trilogy by Vivekananda Jha that vividly captures Mithila’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance. This region transcends modern borders, lying between India and Nepal. The trilogy’s first book, published in 2017, introduces readers to Mithila’s illustrious figures, folklore, and timeless traditions.

Mithila’s significance stretches back thousands of years, boasting a civilisational history often referenced in sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna praises King Janak, the ruler of this region. Janakpur, the historical capital of Mithila, has long been regarded as a centre of learning and spirituality. This connection between the past and the present is a central theme of the Living Legends series.

The history of Mithila can be traced to the Vedic period, making it one of the oldest regions in South Asia. It was mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, as the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama and daughter of King Janaka, the ruler of Mithila. In ancient texts, the region was often referred to as Videha.

One of Mithila’s most celebrated contributions to world culture is the Madhubani or Mithila painting tradition, a vibrant and intricate folk art style. This style originated in the villages of the region, where women would paint the walls of their homes during religious festivals and special occasions like weddings. These paintings are known for their rich use of colour, intricate patterns, and themes centred around nature, deities, and everyday village life. Today, Mithila paintings are recognised globally and symbolise the region’s rich artistic heritage.

In addition to visual art, Mithila has been an important centre for literature, particularly Maithili literature. Vidypati, a 14th-century poet, is one of the most renowned figures in Maithili literature. His devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva, written in the Maithili language, have earned him an enduring place in Indian literary history. His work, blending religious devotion with romance, influenced later poets and contributed to the Bhakti movement in North India.

During the British colonial period, Mithila became part of the Bengal Presidency and later the Bihar province. Although the region faced economic challenges under colonial rule, it continued to be a vibrant centre of culture and scholarship. After India’s independence in 1947, Mithila was incorporated into the newly formed state of Bihar. Despite political changes, the people of Mithila retained their distinct cultural identity. Efforts to revive the Maithili language and culture have been ongoing, and in 2003, it was recognised as one of India’s official languages.

The second series of “The Living Legends of Mithila” is in progress and expected to be completed by the end of October 2024. Its grand launch is planned for December 2024 in Janakpur Dham, the birthplace of Mother Sita. The timing coincides with the grand festival of Vivah Panchami, which commemorates the marriage of Lord Ram and Sita, a significant event celebrated with great devotion in Mithila. The mega launch of the second series is anticipated to be a cultural highlight, with further celebrations planned across India and abroad.

A grand celebration is planned for the release of this second book, with its mega launch set to take place in December 2024 in Janakpur Dham, the birthplace of Mother Sita, a revered Hindu deity and the wife of Lord Sri Ram. This event will coincide with the festival of Vivah Panchami, a significant celebration in Mithila that commemorates the divine marriage of Sri Ram and Sita, known locally as Kishorijee. The festival adds a more profound spiritual and cultural dimension to the book launch, linking the contemporary celebration of Mithila’s legends with its ancient heritage. The book is not limited to Janakpur but is also scheduled for further launches in different cities across India and abroad, marking it as an international cultural event.

The second book, like its predecessor, will be published in both English and Hindi, ensuring its accessibility to a wide readership. Mr. Inderjeet Singh Parmar skillfully handled the Hindi translation and designed the book cover. The editing of this latest volume is being led by Mrs Jyotirmaya Thakur, a celebrated poet and global literary figure who is also featured in the book as one of the legends of Mithila. Her involvement underscores the depth and significance of the project, bringing together voices from different fields to tell the story of Mithila’s living history.

Mrs. Jyotirmaya Thakur is a celebrated poet, prolific writer, and globally recognised literary figure from India who now resides in the United Kingdom. With a deep passion for literature, she has earned a prestigious place in the international literary community. She is known for her eloquent and evocative poetry, which often explores cultural, spirituality, and human experience themes. Her significant contributions to the global literary scene have made her one of the most prominent poet laureates in contemporary times.

In addition to her poetic prowess, Mrs. Thakur has also been recognised as one of the key figures in Mithila’s rich literary heritage. Legends of Mithila features her, highlighting her influence and contributions to the region’s literary and cultural history. Her inclusion in this volume is a testament to her standing as a representative of Mithila’s illustrious artistic traditions, which have inspired generations of writers and poets.

In addition to Mrs Thakur, the series includes profiles of notable individuals such as Jyoti Paswan, the 20-year-old girl famously known as the “bicycle girl” for her remarkable journey during the 2020 lockdown. She is the youngest of the legends featured, symbolising the ongoing legacy of resilience, courage, and achievement that defines the people of Mithila. The other legends are as follows:- Ram Tapeshwar Das, Mahant of Janki Mandir,Janakpur , Rajendra Bimal – a highly acclaimed poet and literati, Dr. Hari Bansh Jha – a think tank of South Asia ,Mahendra Malangia – dramatist , director and educationist, Dr.Dhanakar Thakur – founder of International Mithila parishad ,Aarti Jha – founder of Sakhi – Bahinpa’, Sarita Giri- a politician of Nepal, Rajendra Mahato – former deputy Prime minister of Nepal, Dr.Yogendra Yadav-a global linguist, Siyaram Saras- writer ,poet and singer, Dhirendra Premarshi – writer ,anchor of Hello Mithila fame ,Shanti Devi – an exponent of Mithila painting and Padma Shri, Shivan Paswan- an exponent of Mithila painting and Padma Shri, Dulari Devi – an exponent of Mithila painting and Padma Shri, Dr. Vidyanath Jha – pioneer researcher on makhana and academician, Sanjay Jha – Head of Life and health insurance,Dubai, Prof.Indira Jha-academician, founder of Gurkul in Madhubani, Vikram Yadav -Social Activist , Dinesh Purbe – a visionary for new Janakpur Dham , Ayodhyanath Choudhary – writer and translator, Purnendu Jha – Film Maker and Baua Devi – an exponent of Mithila painting and Padma Shri.

Thus, the Living Legends of Mithila series celebrates the past and honours the present-day heroes who continue to embody the spirit of this ancient and culturally rich region. Through its international reach, the series seeks to bring the stories of Mithila’s legends to a global audience, enriching the appreciation of this unique civilisation and its contributions to humanity.

With its rich historical, cultural, and literary traditions, Mithila is a region known for producing extraordinary scholars, poets, and artists. Through this project, contemporary writers could be recognised as living embodiments of the region’s long-standing heritage. Highlighting their achievements, stories, and the impact of their work would not only celebrate their contributions but also preserve the ongoing legacy of Mithila for future generations.

The phrase “The writers and their people beyond the works” evokes the idea that literature isn’t just about written words but also about the deeper, often intangible elements that influence and shape those words: the cultural context, social issues, and personal journeys. By recognising both the creators and their communities, the project could create a holistic appreciation of how literature is woven into the fabric of Mithila’s society.

This initiative could serve as an invaluable record and inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps, elevating Mithila’s role in the larger landscape of world literature.

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Faruk Ahmed Roni
Editor, Global Poet and Poetry