As the madhubani paintings were an expression of women who spent most of their lives within the boundaries of their household, number of styles evolved based on the unique experiences of women of different community. Pertaining to the social set-up, upper caste women who led a very confined life were also restricted in their themes and symbols. But with time their paintings evolved in stylistic patterns and intricate detail work. While Brahmins preferred very bright hues, the Kayasthas opted for muted ones. In the Harijan style of paintings, hand made papers was washed in cow dung first.