The Cradle of Modern Indian Art
The Bombay School of Arts, formally known as the Sir J.J. School of Art, was one of the earliest institutions for Western-style art education in India. Established during British rule in 1857, it played a key role in shaping modern Indian art and influencing generations of artists.
1. Establishment & History
- Founded in: 1857 in Bombay (now Mumbai).
- Founded by: Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy (a wealthy Parsi philanthropist).
- Objective: Introduce European art techniques and promote academic realism in India.
- First Principal: John Griffiths, a British artist.
2. Art Style & Influence
- Initially focused on British academic art, emphasizing realism, oil painting, and portraiture.
- Inspired by European Renaissance and Victorian art styles.
- Later, artists merged Western techniques with Indian themes, creating a new artistic movement.
3. Important Artists from the Bombay School of Arts
(a) Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906)
- Not a direct student but deeply influenced by the Bombay School.
- Used European oil painting techniques to depict Indian mythological themes.
- Created mass-produced lithographs, making art accessible to common people.
(b) Pestonji Bomanji (1851–1938)
- Trained at Bombay School of Art.
- Known for realistic oil paintings, especially Parsi community portraits.
(c) M.V. Dhurandhar (1867–1944)
- Famous for colonial-era paintings and mythological themes.
- His works depict Indian women in sarees, historical events, and mythological scenes.
(d) Gaganendranath Tagore & Abanindranath Tagore
- Broke away from British-style academic realism.
- Promoted Indian styles like Bengal School of Art.
(e) F.N. Souza (1924–2002)
- A modernist painter from Bombay.
- Criticized British art traditions and embraced bold, abstract styles.
4. Transition to Modern Art
- By the 1920s and 1930s, the Bombay School of Art saw a shift towards modernism and abstraction.
- Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG) was formed in 1947, led by F.N. Souza, M.F. Husain, and S.H. Raza.
- They rejected British realism and embraced Indian traditions blended with modern art.
5. Legacy & Impact
- First major art school in India that promoted Western-style painting.
- Influenced Indian cinema, commercial art, and modern design.
- Still one of India’s top fine arts institutions today.
MCQs on Bombay School of Arts
1. When was the Bombay School of Arts established?
a) 1800
b) 1857
c) 1911
d) 1947
Answer: (b) 1857
2. Who was the founder of the Bombay School of Arts?
a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Abanindranath Tagore
c) Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy
d) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: (c) Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy
3. What art style was initially taught at the Bombay School of Art?
a) Mughal Miniatures
b) European Academic Realism
c) Abstract Modernism
d) Folk Art
Answer: (b) European Academic Realism
4. Which famous artist was influenced by the Bombay School of Art?
a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Pablo Picasso
c) Satyajit Ray
d) Leonardo da Vinci
Answer: (a) Raja Ravi Varma
5. Which artist from the Bombay School was famous for realistic Parsi portraits?
a) M.F. Husain
b) Pestonji Bomanji
c) S.H. Raza
d) Nandalal Bose
Answer: (b) Pestonji Bomanji
6. What was the Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG) associated with?
a) Traditional Miniature Painting
b) Modern Abstract Art
c) Mughal Court Art
d) British Colonial Portraiture
Answer: (b) Modern Abstract Art
7. Where is the Bombay School of Arts located?
a) Kolkata
b) Delhi
c) Mumbai
d) Chennai
Answer: (c) Mumbai
8. Which famous modernist painter was associated with the Bombay Art Scene?
a) F.N. Souza
b) Amrita Sher-Gil
c) Raja Ravi Varma
d) Abanindranath Tagore
Answer: (a) F.N. Souza
9. What is the modern name of the Bombay School of Arts?
a) National Institute of Design
b) J.J. School of Art
c) Bengal School of Art
d) Indira Kala Sangeet University
Answer: (b) J.J. School of Art
10. Which Indian city became a hub for modern art due to the Bombay School of Arts?
a) Delhi
b) Mumbai
c) Chennai
d) Bangalore
Answer: (b) Mumbai
Conclusion
The Bombay School of Arts was the foundation of modern Indian painting. It introduced Western realism, trained legendary artists, and led to the birth of progressive modernism in Indian art.
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