Coming from the village of Jitwarpur in Bihar, Yamuna Devi grew up in an environment where she had no access to formal schooling. However, her childhood was rich in art. As a young girl from the Dalit community, she learned the fundamentals of Madhubani painting directly from the women in her village. She grew up alongside a group of local women who, despite facing major systemic barriers, worked together to help empower themselves and others through their art. 

Yamuna Devi became a prominent figure in the Madhubani movement by breaking through gender roles and caste hierarchies. She was one of the early artists from the late 20th century who helped transition traditional mud murals onto portable paper and cloth, helping pave a path toward financial independence for Bihari women.

By treating her paper canvases with a mixture of cow dung and water, she managed to replicate the textured look of village mud walls, inventing the Gobar (cow dung) style. This gave Dalit artists a distinct technique that stood out from other Madhubani styles. Throughout her life, she remained dedicated to organizing workshops and mentoring younger women to help them achieve their own social and economic independence.

Her art and social impact earned her widespread fame, leading to a historic milestone when she became the first Dalit artist to receive the prestigious National Award from the Government of India in 1975. Best known for her expressive double-line figures and intricate circular patterns, she later served as the President and Master Artist of Mithila Painting. Today, her works are preserved in international museums and global collections in Japan, France, the United States, and beyond.