Categories
Art and Culture

Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951)

Abanindranath Tagore, born on August 7, 1871, was an influential Indian painter and writer who founded the Bengal School of Art, emphasizing traditional Indian themes. He rejected Western styles, championing nationalism through art. His significant works include “Bharat Mata,” symbolizing India’s independence struggle. Tagore’s legacy greatly impacted modern Indian art.

Founder of the Bengal School of Art & Pioneer of Modern Indian Art

Abanindranath Tagore was an Indian painter and writer who played a crucial role in the revival of Indian traditional art. He rejected Western artistic influences and emphasized Indian themes, spirituality, and cultural heritage.

1. Early Life & Background

  • Born: 7 August 1871 in Jorasanko, Kolkata (then Calcutta), British India.
  • Family: He belonged to the Tagore family, which was highly influential in Bengal’s cultural and artistic movements.
  • Relation to Rabindranath Tagore: He was Rabindranath Tagore’s nephew.
  • Education: Studied at Government College of Art & Craft, Calcutta.
  • Training: Learned Western academic art under European artists but later rejected their style in favor of Indian artistic traditions.

2. Bengal School of Art

Founder of the Bengal School of Painting

  • In response to British artistic dominance, he started the Bengal School of Art (early 20th century).
  • This movement revived traditional Indian painting styles, especially Mughal, Rajput, and Ajanta cave paintings.
  • It challenged British colonial influence in Indian art.
  • Promoted “Swadeshi Art”, an Indian artistic identity free from Western control.

Influences

  • Inspired by Mughal and Rajput miniatures, Japanese wash technique, and Swadeshi nationalism.
  • Believed in spiritualism in art, unlike European realism.

3. Famous Paintings

(a) Bharat Mata (1905)

  • One of his most famous works.
  • Depicts India as a goddess (Bharat Mata) holding:
    1. A book (knowledge)
    2. A piece of white cloth (simplicity)
    3. A sheaf of rice (food)
    4. A garland (devotion)
  • Symbol of India’s independence struggle.

(b) The Passing of Shah Jahan

  • A historical painting showing Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan on his deathbed, looking at the Taj Mahal.
  • Showed sorrow, nostalgia, and the loss of a golden era.

(c) The Victory of Buddha

  • Showcased Buddhist themes and spirituality.

(d) Krishna Lila

  • Depicted Lord Krishna’s childhood stories, inspired by Rajput miniatures.

4. Literary Contributions

  • Also wrote short stories, essays, and novels.
  • Famous books:
    • “Raj Kahini” – Stories of Indian kings.
    • “Khirer Putul” – A children’s story.
    • “Buro Angla” – A fantasy novel.

5. Role in the Indian Freedom Struggle

  • Used art as a tool for nationalism.
  • His painting Bharat Mata became a symbol of the Swadeshi movement.
  • Encouraged artists to reject British styles and embrace Indian cultural identity.
  • Inspired Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, and other nationalist artists.

6. Death & Legacy

  • Died on 5 December 1951 in Kolkata.
  • His artistic movement influenced Indian modern art, leading to the development of Indian identity in painting.
  • The Bengal School of Art paved the way for post-independence Indian art movements.

MCQs on Abanindranath Tagore

1. Who was the founder of the Bengal School of Art?

a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Abanindranath Tagore
c) Nandalal Bose
d) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: (b) Abanindranath Tagore

2. Which famous painting by Abanindranath Tagore became a symbol of nationalism?

a) Krishna Lila
b) Bharat Mata
c) The Passing of Shah Jahan
d) Victory of Buddha
Answer: (b) Bharat Mata

a) Swami Vivekananda
b) Rabindranath Tagore
c) Raja Ravi Varma
d) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Answer: (b) Rabindranath Tagore

4. What was the main theme of the Bengal School of Art?

a) European realism
b) Traditional Indian painting styles
c) Modern abstract painting
d) Sculpture art
Answer: (b) Traditional Indian painting styles

a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Aurangzeb
d) Shah Jahan
Answer: (d) Shah Jahan

6. Which artistic style influenced Abanindranath Tagore’s works?

a) Abstract expressionism
b) Rajput & Mughal miniature paintings
c) Cubism
d) Impressionism
Answer: (b) Rajput & Mughal miniature paintings

7. Which book was written by Abanindranath Tagore?

a) Meghdoot
b) Khirer Putul
c) Gitanjali
d) Anandmath
Answer: (b) Khirer Putul

8. In which year was the painting “Bharat Mata” created?

a) 1910
b) 1905
c) 1947
d) 1930
Answer: (b) 1905

9. Which Indian movement was associated with Abanindranath Tagore’s art?

a) Civil Disobedience Movement
b) Quit India Movement
c) Swadeshi Movement
d) Non-Cooperation Movement
Answer: (c) Swadeshi Movement

10. Where was Abanindranath Tagore born?

a) Kerala
b) West Bengal
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Rajasthan
Answer: (b) West Bengal

Conclusion

Abanindranath Tagore was a revolutionary artist and writer who:

  • Revived traditional Indian art, rejecting European dominance.
  • Founded the Bengal School of Art, shaping modern Indian painting.
  • Used art to inspire nationalism, influencing India’s freedom movement.

Would you like a PDF version or more detailed MCQs? 😊

2 replies on “Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951)”

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.