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Nandalal Bose (1882–1966)

Nandalal Bose, a seminal Indian artist, played a vital role in the Bengal School of Art and India’s freedom movement. Chosen by Mahatma Gandhi, he created significant works emphasizing Indian heritage and nationalism, including posters for the Haripura Congress and illustrations for the Constitution, earning the title Father of Modern Indian Art.

The Artist of Indian Nationalism & Modern Indian Art

Nandalal Bose was a pioneering Indian artist known for his role in the Bengal School of Art and his deep association with India’s freedom movement. He was personally chosen by Mahatma Gandhi to create artworks that represented India’s cultural heritage and nationalist spirit.

1. Early Life & Education

  • Born: 3 December 1882 in Haveli Kharagpur, Bihar.
  • Family: Originally from Bengal but settled in Bihar.
  • Education: Studied at Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata.
  • Mentors:
    • Influenced by Abanindranath Tagore, founder of the Bengal School of Art.
    • Inspired by Ajanta cave paintings, Rajput & Mughal miniatures, and traditional folk art.

2. Artistic Style & Influences

  • A leading figure in the Bengal School of Art.
  • Emphasized Indian themes over British-influenced Western realism.
  • Drew inspiration from:
    • Ajanta & Ellora cave paintings
    • Mughal & Rajput miniature art
    • Folk traditions like Pattachitra & Warli art
    • Japanese wash techniques (introduced by Okakura Kakuzo)
  • Subjects of his paintings:
    • Mythology (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Buddha, Krishna Lila)
    • Rural India & common people
    • Freedom movement themes

3. Contributions to the Indian Freedom Struggle

(a) Haripura Congress Posters (1938)

  • Created large posters for the Haripura Congress Session (1938) under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Painted rural life, farmers, artisans, and village culture.
  • His works represented the Swadeshi spirit and self-reliance.

(b) Illustrations for the Constitution of India (1947–50)

  • Commissioned to design the original manuscript of the Indian Constitution.
  • Illustrated the pages with Indian history, mythology, and culture.
  • His artwork in the Constitution is still preserved today.

(c) Paintings of Mahatma Gandhi

  • Created an iconic black-and-white painting of Mahatma Gandhi walking with a staff, symbolizing the Dandi March (1930).
  • This image became a symbol of non-violent resistance.

4. Famous Paintings

  1. Haripura Congress Paintings (1938) – Showed rural artisans, farmers, and village workers.
  2. The Dandi March (1930) – A powerful symbol of Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha.
  3. Sati (1920s) – Depicted the practice of self-sacrifice in ancient India.
  4. Shiva and Sati – A religious painting with a spiritual theme.
  5. Village Scenes & Tribal Art – Represented India’s folk traditions.

5. Honors & Recognition

  • First Artist to Receive the Padma Vibhushan (1954) for his contributions to Indian art.
  • Principal of Visva-Bharati University (Kala Bhavana), Santiniketan (appointed by Rabindranath Tagore).
  • Considered the Father of Modern Indian Art for shaping indigenous artistic identity.
  • Inspired several generations of Indian artists.

6. Death & Legacy

  • Died: 16 April 1966, leaving behind a rich legacy of nationalistic and cultural art.
  • His work continues to be studied, preserved, and displayed in India’s top museums.

MCQs on Nandalal Bose

1. Nandalal Bose was a disciple of which famous artist?

a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Abanindranath Tagore
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) Amrita Sher-Gil
Answer: (b) Abanindranath Tagore

2. For which major event did Nandalal Bose design posters in 1938?

a) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
b) Dandi March
c) Haripura Congress Session
d) Quit India Movement
Answer: (c) Haripura Congress Session

3. Nandalal Bose was responsible for illustrating which important Indian document?

a) Indian Penal Code
b) Constitution of India
c) Hindu Marriage Act
d) Indian Citizenship Act
Answer: (b) Constitution of India

4. Which of the following paintings is NOT associated with Nandalal Bose?

a) The Dandi March
b) Bharat Mata
c) Haripura Congress Paintings
d) Village Life
Answer: (b) Bharat Mata (This was painted by Abanindranath Tagore)

5. Which art movement was Nandalal Bose associated with?

a) Modernist Art Movement
b) Bengal School of Art
c) Mughal Miniature Revival
d) European Realism
Answer: (b) Bengal School of Art

6. Which famous leader personally asked Nandalal Bose to create paintings for the freedom movement?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Subhas Chandra Bose
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Sardar Patel
Answer: (c) Mahatma Gandhi

7. In which year was Nandalal Bose awarded the Padma Vibhushan?

a) 1947
b) 1954
c) 1960
d) 1965
Answer: (b) 1954

8. Nandalal Bose was the principal of which art university?

a) Government College of Art, Kolkata
b) Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan
c) J.J. School of Art, Mumbai
d) Delhi College of Art
Answer: (b) Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan

9. Which theme was most common in Nandalal Bose’s paintings?

a) European landscapes
b) Indian mythology and folk culture
c) Mughal court scenes
d) Abstract cubism
Answer: (b) Indian mythology and folk culture

10. Which artistic technique influenced Nandalal Bose?

a) Japanese wash painting
b) Italian Renaissance
c) Impressionism
d) Pop Art
Answer: (a) Japanese wash painting

Conclusion

Nandalal Bose was a key figure in Indian nationalist art, using his skills to:

  • Promote Swadeshi values through his paintings.
  • Depict Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom movements.
  • Illustrate the Indian Constitution.
  • Revive Indian artistic traditions.

His legacy lives on through modern Indian art, institutions, and national symbols.

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