Smt. Baua Devi was born in a family involved in traditional Mithila paintings of Madhubani. Her life is full of episodes of survival, perseverance and success. Born in the 1950's into the caste of Mahapatras. She survived a disastrous arranged childhood marriage, and at a young age she saw a blistering drought in the Mithila Region. 

She started to paint at the age of twelve and was so fascinated for the craft, that she abandoned her studies and devoted herself full time to painting. She started by painting the walls of the huts in her village. Initially she drew Mithila paintings on mud walls and gradually she acquired mastery over her lines. Her paintings on paper explore an array of personal and mythological themes. Her style is notable for combining exquisite draftsman ship, dynamic yet austere composition and brilliant colouring. Her images include scenes from folk and Hindu myths, images of gods and goddesses and religious symbols. 

Her paintings have been exhibited throughout India and abroad, in Paris at the Centre Georges Pompidou, at the Mithila Museum in Tokamachi - Japan, Berkley Museum - United States and in various private collections. She has won various awards and accolades and the very prestigious National Award for traditional Madhubani Art. She was among the first group of artist who converted the paintings from mud wall to paper and finally on canvas.