Reviving Indian Art & Nationalism
The Bengal School of Art was an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against British colonial art styles. It aimed to revive traditional Indian painting techniques and promote Indian nationalism through art.
1. Background & Origin
- Founded by Abanindranath Tagore in 1907 in Calcutta (Kolkata).
- A reaction against British-influenced academic realism taught at the Bombay & Madras Schools of Art.
- Supported by nationalist leaders like Mahatma Gandhi & Rabindranath Tagore.
- Promoted Indian culture, spirituality, and folk traditions in painting.
2. Features of Bengal School of Art
- Revived Mughal, Rajput, and Ajanta-style paintings.
- Used Indian themes like mythology, history, and rural life.
- Focused on soft colors, fluid lines, and spiritual themes.
- Avoided British-style realism and oil painting.
- Promoted Indian nationalism through cultural identity.
3. Key Artists of the Bengal School
(a) Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951) – Founder
- Painted “Bharat Mata” (1905), which became a nationalist symbol.
- Inspired by Mughal, Persian, and Japanese art styles.
- Believed Indian art should be spiritual, not just realistic.
(b) Nandalal Bose (1882–1966)
- Disciple of Abanindranath Tagore.
- Created posters for Mahatma Gandhi & Congress sessions (Haripura Congress, 1938).
- Illustrated the Constitution of India.
(c) Asit Kumar Haldar (1890–1964)
- Influenced by Ajanta cave paintings.
- Painted historical & mythological themes.
(d) Mukul Dey (1895–1989)
- Pioneer of drypoint etching in India.
(e) Jamini Roy (1887–1972)
- Revived Indian folk art styles, moving away from Western influences.
4. Major Paintings & Themes
(a) Bharat Mata (1905) – By Abanindranath Tagore
- Depicted India as a mother goddess holding:
- A book (knowledge)
- Rice (prosperity)
- Cloth (self-reliance)
- Rudraksha beads (spirituality)
(b) Haripura Congress Posters – By Nandalal Bose
- Depicted Indian peasants, weavers, and laborers.
- Showcased the self-reliant spirit of India.
(c) Paintings Inspired by Ajanta & Mughal Art
- Artists painted stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Indian folklore.
5. Decline of the Bengal School
- Lost influence after 1940s as modernist movements (like the Progressive Artists’ Group) emerged.
- Criticized for being too idealistic and romanticizing the past.
- Artists like F.N. Souza and M.F. Husain moved towards contemporary styles.
6. Impact & Legacy
- Created a nationalist art movement in India.
- Inspired generations of Indian painters.
- Many of its techniques are still used in Indian fine arts education.
MCQs on Bengal School of Art
1. Who founded the Bengal School of Art?
a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Abanindranath Tagore
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) M.F. Husain
Answer: (b) Abanindranath Tagore
2. Which painting from the Bengal School became a symbol of nationalism?
a) Shakuntala
b) Bharat Mata
c) Mother India
d) Haripura Congress Posters
Answer: (b) Bharat Mata
3. Which Indian epic themes were commonly used in Bengal School paintings?
a) Iliad and Odyssey
b) Bible stories
c) Ramayana and Mahabharata
d) Greek mythology
Answer: (c) Ramayana and Mahabharata
4. Nandalal Bose illustrated which important document of India?
a) Indian Penal Code
b) Constitution of India
c) Discovery of India
d) Hind Swaraj
Answer: (b) Constitution of India
5. Which artist from the Bengal School was known for promoting folk art?
a) Nandalal Bose
b) Asit Kumar Haldar
c) Mukul Dey
d) Jamini Roy
Answer: (d) Jamini Roy
6. Which Western art style did the Bengal School reject?
a) Abstract Expressionism
b) British Academic Realism
c) Cubism
d) Impressionism
Answer: (b) British Academic Realism
7. Which famous Indian nationalist supported the Bengal School of Art?
a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
b) Mahatma Gandhi
c) B.R. Ambedkar
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: (b) Mahatma Gandhi
8. The Bengal School of Art was influenced by which traditional Indian paintings?
a) Mughal and Rajput Miniatures
b) Chinese Calligraphy
c) Egyptian Hieroglyphics
d) European Portraits
Answer: (a) Mughal and Rajput Miniatures
9. The Haripura Congress posters were created by which artist?
a) Abanindranath Tagore
b) Nandalal Bose
c) Jamini Roy
d) F.N. Souza
Answer: (b) Nandalal Bose
10. The Bengal School of Art was mainly active in which time period?
a) 1750–1800
b) 1900–1940
c) 1950–1990
d) 2000–Present
Answer: (b) 1900–1940
Conclusion
The Bengal School of Art was a major nationalist art movement that revived Indian artistic traditions and opposed British influence. It helped create a distinct Indian identity in modern art.
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