[4] As a child, Devi was "barely literate" but began painting and learning the Madhubani art form from her aunt.

[5] In 1961, Devi left the purdah (veil) system which was prevalent at the time and created her own niche as an artist.

[6] She founded a cooperative society called Mithila Hastashilp Kalakar Audyogki Sahyog Samiti, which supported the growth and development of handicrafts and artists.

[6] In addition to Mithila painting, Devi was known for her expertise in clay, paper mache, sujani, and Sikki.

[7] She received her first felicitation in 1976 from the Bhartiya Nritya Kala for an illustration of the struggles of a Maithil girl.