Dhirendra Kumar

Dhirendra Kumar is a renowned Sikki artist from Madhubani, Bihar, known for his innovative approach to traditional Sikki craft. With a deep-rooted interest in creating art since childhood, he began exploring Sikki as a medium in 1990 and developed a unique technique of cutting, bending, and pasting Sikki onto paper and hardboard to create intricate artistic compositions. His early works included themes from Mithila culture and Indian mythology, such as Kohabar, scenes from the Mahabharata, and stories associated with Lord Krishna. His innovative Sikki artworks were first presented at a Government of Bihar exhibition in Madhubani in 1995, where they received wide appreciation. Over the years, Dhirendra Kumar has participated in exhibitions across Madhubani, Darbhanga, Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Bengaluru, Pune, Bhagalpur, Katihar, and Chennai. His work has also reached audiences beyond India through exhibitions and commissioned orders. He has been honoured with both the National Award (2016) and State Award (2016), along with recognition from Dastkar. He has also served as faculty at L. N. M. University, Darbhanga. Through his Rachna Sikki Hastkala Kendra, Dhirendra Kumar has trained more than 50 women and girls in Sikki art, helping preserve and expand the craft while creating livelihood opportunities for artisans. Today, he continues to innovate and develop new Sikki products with his team, carrying forward the rich artistic traditions of Mithila while creating new possibilities for Sikki craftsmanship.