Devi was taught Madhubani art techniques by her mother, and spent her early childhood painting on floors and walls made with dried cow dung.
[3] Devi belonged to an early generation of Madhubani (sometimes known as Mithila) artists who gained public recognition for their work and style of art.
[4] The Crafts Council encouraged artists like Devi to move their work from floors and walls, onto handmade paper, which enabled them to sell these paintings.
[3] In an interview, Devi stated she initially painted in secret for two years, because of disapproval from her husband's family regarding her art.
She visited Japan nine times over the course of her career, beginning in 1987, and worked at the Museum to create art, and teach techniques, along with fellow Madhubani artist, Mahasundari Devi.