Scholarly writing and popular pieces have repeatedly described Maithil painting as the art of upper-caste Brahmin and Kayastha women. W. G. Archer conceded that “Rajputs, Sonars, Ahirs and Dusadhs also do painting” but went on to claim that “their styles are more fragmentary” and speculated that Brahmins and Kayasths set “the fashion and isolated households of other castes follow their examples” (W. G. Archer 1949: 25).1 This chapter challenges that presumption by examining the expressive power and potential of rhythm, repetition, and color that characterizes the paintings of four remarkable Dalit women painters—Jamuna Devi of the Chamar (leatherworker) caste and Shanti Devi, Chano Devi, and Urmila Devi of the Dusadh caste—residing in villages on the outskirts of Madhubani, Bihar. The unique styles of their paintings counter the mainstream view that Dalit art consists merely of decorative dabs of color or repetitive designs. Their subjects and themes, and their use of picture surfaces, coloring materials, and techniques, reveal creativity and aesthetic innovation. The work of these serious productive artists demands critical engagement