Maithils are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group native to the Mithila region, which covers parts of Bihar, Nepal, and the Terai region of Nepal. They have a rich cultural heritage and have contributed significantly to various fields. Here are 10 famous individuals from the Maithil ethnic group:
- 1. Vidyapati – A medieval poet who is considered the father of the Maithili language. His compositions are highly regarded for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
- 2. Baidyanath Mishra – Also known as “Birbal,” he was one of the nine gems in Emperor Akbar’s court. He was known for his wit, intelligence, and problem-solving abilities.
- 3. Bhikhari Thakur – A renowned playwright, folk artist, and social reformer, Bhikhari Thakur made significant contributions to Maithili theater and music.
- 4. Udit Narayan – A popular playback singer in the Indian film industry, Udit Narayan has sung in several languages and has won numerous awards for his melodious voice.
- 5. Manoj Bajpayee – A critically acclaimed Bollywood actor, Manoj Bajpayee has portrayed diverse and challenging roles in movies like “Satya,” “Gangs of Wasseypur,” and “Aligarh.”
- 6. Kalpana Sharma – A renowned Kathak dancer, Kalpana Sharma is known for her extraordinary skills and her efforts to promote classical dance forms.
- 7. Kundan Lal Saigal – A legendary playback singer and actor, Kundan Lal Saigal is considered one of the pioneers of Indian cinema’s golden era.
- 8. Jitendra Narayan – A prominent politician and social reformer, Jitendra Narayan dedicated his life to the welfare of the Maithil community and fought for their rights.
- 9. Neeraj Jha – An acclaimed fashion designer, Neeraj Jha has showcased his designs at prestigious fashion events across the world and has dressed several Bollywood celebrities.
- 10. Sharda Sinha – A popular folk singer known for her soulful renditions, Sharda Sinha has contributed significantly to the Maithili music industry and has received numerous accolades.
Most Famous Maithils Celebrities
The Maithil community, known for its rich cultural heritage, has given birth to many talented individuals who have made a mark in different fields. Here are some of the famous celebrities from Maithil roots:
- Vidyapati: Vidyapati is one of the most celebrated poets in Maithil literature. He is known for his exquisite compositions in Maithili and Sanskrit, particularly in the genre of poetry known as “Padavali.”
- Bhikhari Thakur: Bhikhari Thakur was a renowned playwright and folk artist from the Maithil community. He is often called the “Shakespeare of Bihar” and is credited with popularizing “Bidesia,” a form of folk theatre that deals with migration and separation.
- Maithili Sharan Gupt: Maithili Sharan Gupt was a prominent Hindi poet who hailed from the Maithil community. His poems are known for their patriotic themes and social criticism. Gupt was honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his exceptional contributions to Hindi literature.
- Shekhar Suman: Shekhar Suman, a well-known actor and television personality, belongs to the Maithil community. He has acted in numerous television shows and Bollywood films, and is admired for his versatility and comic timing.
- Bharti Kher: Bharti Kher is a contemporary Indian artist known for her thought-provoking installations and sculptures. She incorporates diverse materials and symbolism into her artwork, exploring themes of identity, gender, and cultural hybridity.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Maithils heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Factsheet About Maithils People
| Population | 33 million |
|---|---|
| Language | Maithili |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Region | Bihar, India |
| Script | Devanagari |
| Major Cities | Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi |
| Traditional Occupation | Agriculture |
| Education Level | Low |
| Historical Significance | Ancient Maithil Kingdom (7th to 14th century) |
Maithils Ethnicity: References and Resources
Here are some references to dig deeper about the Maithil ethnic group:
- “The Maithils: A Quest for Identity” by Maithili Sharan Jha
- “Maithilī Language and the Maithils” by Rajesh Ranjan
- “Dimensions of Maithil Culture: Regional and Contextual Perspectives” edited by Sunita Mishra
- “The Maithils: The Legendary Kings of Mithila” by Ramanath Jha
- “Richness of Mithila: An Illustrated Cultural Guide to Mithila” by Manish Kumar
These resources can provide detailed information about the Maithil ethnic group, their history, culture, language, and traditions. They cover various aspects of Maithil society, providing insights into their identity and heritage. Reading these books can help further explore the rich and diverse Maithil ethnicity.
That concludes the information we can provide about famous Maithils individuals. Thank you for reading.
