Bachelor in Mithila Arts and Aesthetic (BMAA)

Bachelor in Mithila Arts and Aesthetic (BMAA) at Rajarshi Janak University

If you’re a Humanities or Arts student looking for a meaningful academic path that also connects you with cultural heritage, the Bachelor in Mithila Arts and Aesthetic (BMAA) program at Rajarshi Janak University (RJU) offers a unique opportunity. Launched in 2025, this course aims to revive, study, and institutionalize the traditional knowledge and practices rooted in Mithila civilization—an ancient cultural hub of Nepal.

The BMAA program is more than a visual arts course. It bridges history, design, symbolism, storytelling, and philosophy—all centered on the Mithila region’s rich artistic legacy. Based in Janakpur, a spiritual and cultural capital, this program allows students to immerse themselves in the practices of Mithila painting, sculpture, folk rituals, aesthetics, and visual interpretation—within a structured academic environment.

This is particularly valuable for students interested in heritage studies, visual communication, traditional art forms, and Nepal’s cultural diplomacy. The course not only nurtures artistic creativity but also provides analytical tools to critically interpret, document, and preserve indigenous art traditions.

Highlights

• Program Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)

• Launched: Academic year 2025 by Rajarshi Janak University

• Location: Central Campus, Janakpurdham, Dhanusha

• Eligibility: +2 or equivalent with minimum 45% or CGPA 1.8 (at least D grade in all subjects)

• Medium of Instruction: Nepali and English (depending on module)

• Focus Areas: Mithila painting, cultural aesthetics, heritage preservation, folk and ritual studies, visual anthropology

Curriculum Details

Here’s what students will explore throughout the eight semesters:

• History and Philosophy of Mithila Civilization

• Foundations of Aesthetic Theory

• Mithila Painting Techniques and Symbolism

• Folk Music, Oral Literature, and Performance Traditions

• Visual Culture and Semiotics

• Art Documentation and Preservation

• Cultural Heritage Management

• Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Art Forms

• Research Methods and Final Project

The curriculum includes both studio-based practice and critical theory, with regular field visits, community engagement, and collaborative workshops.

Objectives

• Develop deeper understanding of Mithila’s artistic and aesthetic values

• Preserve and academically document endangered cultural traditions

• Equip students with research tools for art criticism and cultural studies

• Train students in the practical skills of Mithila arts (e.g., painting, design, motif-making)

• Prepare graduates for academic, museum, cultural, and creative careers

Scope

Graduates of BMAA have opportunities in:

• Cultural heritage institutions

• Museums and archives

• Art galleries and studios

• NGOs working in heritage conservation

• Academic research and teaching

• Creative industries and visual design

There is also a growing interest from national and international platforms in indigenous arts, offering space for cultural entrepreneurship and fellowships.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will:

• Create and critique Mithila art with cultural and symbolic insight

• Understand indigenous knowledge systems

• Document and preserve local artistic practices

• Engage in cultural dialogue and academic discourse

Skill Development Modules

• Studio-based Mithila painting sessions

• Field research and documentation techniques

• Visual storytelling and design thinking

• Academic writing and oral presentation skills

Teaching Methodology

• Lectures and seminars

• Studio practice and exhibitions

• Guest lectures from cultural practitioners and scholars

• Fieldwork and community-based research

• Project evaluations and reflective portfolios

Admission Requirements

To apply for BMAA:

• Must have completed +2 level or equivalent

• Minimum 45% aggregate or CGPA 1.8 with at least D grade in each subject

Admissions are based on application review and entrance procedures as per university rules.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work as:

• Cultural Researchers or Program Coordinators

• Mithila Art Instructors or Studio Artists

• Museum Educators or Art Conservators

• Designers in traditional crafts-based enterprises

• Journalists or Writers specializing in Arts and Culture

They can also pursue postgraduate studies in Culture Studies, Anthropology, Fine Arts, or Museum and Heritage Management.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Reserved quotas for marginalized, Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi, women, and conflict-affected groups

• Need-based and merit-based support as per RJU and national policies

Why Choose This Course?

Curious about how traditional art can shape a modern career? BMAA is more than a degree—it’s a commitment to preserving Nepal’s living heritage. For students interested in cultural identity, art-making, and history, this course offers not just knowledge, but purpose.

Conclusion

The Bachelor in Mithila Arts and Aesthetic program at Rajarshi Janak University provides an academic space for students to explore their cultural roots while gaining practical artistic skills and critical knowledge. In a time when local traditions are under pressure, this course offers an informed, reflective, and hands-on pathway to revive, study, and share Mithila's timeless wisdom with the world.