Colonial Architecture & Modern Architecture

Model Answer

The evolution of modern Indian art during British colonial rule was influenced by several key factors, shaping the art scene into what it is today.

1. Colonial Superiority Complex

Under British colonial rule, fine arts were seen as a European achievement, and Indians were considered incapable of creating or appreciating “high” art. This Eurocentric view led to the establishment of art schools in major Indian cities like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, modeled on European styles. The popularity of Raja Ravi Varma’s oil paintings, depicting both mythological and social themes, marked the early phase of modern Indian art in response to this colonial bias.

2. Nationalistic Aesthetic and the Bengal School

As a counter to colonial cultural dominance, nationalist art emerged, particularly through the Bengal School of Art. Influenced by Abanindranath Tagore and E.B. Havell, the Bengal School emphasized Indian traditions and sought to create an indigenous style. The setting up of Kala Bhavan at Shantiniketan by Rabindranath Tagore fostered the growth of this movement, which drew heavily from India’s rich artistic heritage.

3. Revival of Indian Traditions

Artists like Nandalal Bose and Asit Kumar Haldar, students of Abanindranath Tagore, turned to India’s past traditions for inspiration. They incorporated elements from ancient Indian art forms like the Ajanta frescoes, and Mughal, Rajasthani, and Pahari miniature paintings into their work, establishing a bridge between traditional and modern artistic expressions.

4. Global Events and the Indian Independence Movement

Global events like World War II and the Bengal famine indirectly influenced Indian art. The crisis led to the formation of the Calcutta Group in 1943, led by sculptor Prodosh Das Gupta, which reflected the socio-political turmoil of the times. Furthermore, the Indian Independence movement, along with the desire for both political and artistic freedom, inspired artists to adopt nationalistic themes, exemplified by the Progressive Artists’ Group in 1946, which promoted modern art in post-independence India.

5. Influence of Western Modernism

Western modernist movements such as Cubism and Expressionism had a significant impact on Indian artists like Gaganendranath Tagore and Rabindranath Tagore. Their exposure to these international trends led them to challenge traditional academic art, thus contributing to the diversification of Indian modern art.

Conclusion

The confluence of colonialism, nationalism, global events, and exposure to Western modernism led to a flourishing of modern Indian art. Figures like Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Ramkinker Baij, and Benode Behari Mukherjee were instrumental in establishing a distinct modern Indian art, which culminated in the formation of institutions like the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Lalit Kala Akademi post-independence.