Baua Devi is one of the most celebrated living artists in the Mithila tradition. Born in Jitwarpur, she has been painting since childhood and developed a body of work instantly recognizable for its flowing, intricate Katchni line drawings — dense networks of fine lines that form animals, deities, and natural forms of extraordinary complexity.

Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across Asia, Europe, and North America. She has received numerous awards including the Padma Shri, and her paintings are held in prestigious public and private collections worldwide.

Baua Devi has also been a devoted teacher, training younger artists in the Mithila tradition and ensuring that the Katchni style continues to flourish in the hands of the next generation.