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Directions (Q. Nos. 341-348) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the correct/most appropriate options. The art of Madhubani painting is the traditional style developed in the Mithila region, in the village around Madhubani, Bihar. Madhuani literally means a forest of honey. This style of painting has been traditionally used by the women of the region, thought today men are also involved to meet the demand. The work is done on freshly plastered mud walls. For commercial purposes, it is not being done on paper, cloth etc. The painting are basically of religious nature. They are done in the special rooms of their homes (in the Pooja room, ritual area, bridal room), on the main village walls etc. for ceremonial or ritualistic purposes. The women offer prayers to the deity before starting the work. Figures from nature and mythology are adapted to suit their style. The themes and designs widely painted are the worship of Hindu deities such as Krishana, Rama, Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Sun and Moon, Tulsi plant, court scenes, wedding scenes and other social events taking place around them. Floral, animal and bird motis, geometrical designs are used to fill up all the gaps. There is hardly any empty space in this style. Cotton wrapped around a bamboo stick forms the brush. The colours applied are prepared by the artists. The skill is handed down the generations and hence the traditional designs and patterns are widely maintained. It is believed that the genesis of Madhubani paintings about when King Janaka asked for paintings to be developed for his daughter Sita's wedding. The word 'genesis' means the same as