Art played a crucial role in India’s freedom movement by inspiring nationalism, spreading political messages, and depicting the struggle for independence. From paintings and sculptures to songs, theatre, and literature, art became a powerful tool to mobilize the masses against British rule.
1. Role of Visual Arts in the Freedom Struggle
Visual artists used paintings, posters, and sculptures to depict nationalistic themes, glorify freedom fighters, and criticize British oppression.
(a) Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906)
- Pioneered Indian modern art by blending European oil painting techniques with Indian mythological themes.
- Depicted historical and mythological figures as real-life personalities, helping create a strong national identity.
- His works popularized Hindu deities, reinforcing cultural pride during colonial rule.
(b) Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951)
- Founder of the Bengal School of Art, which promoted Indian artistic traditions over European styles.
- His famous painting “Bharat Mata” (1905) symbolized India as a divine mother figure, fostering nationalist sentiment.
- Used Indian miniatures, Mughal, and Rajput styles to counter British academic realism.
(c) Nandalal Bose (1882–1966)
- Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he designed the Haripura Congress posters (1938), portraying rural Indian life.
- Created a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi walking with a staff, which became an iconic image of the freedom struggle.
- Illustrated the Constitution of India, showcasing India’s cultural richness.
(d) Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941)
- Apart from being a poet, he also painted abstract and modernist works.
- Founded Visva-Bharati University, promoting Indian art and education.
- His paintings rejected European realism, emphasizing Indian spirituality and self-expression.
(e) Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941)
- One of India’s first modern female artists, painted themes of poverty, struggle, and rural India.
- Her work influenced the post-independence art movement.
2. Role of Posters and Cartoons
- Nationalist posters depicted Bharat Mata, freedom fighters, and symbols of unity.
- Cartoonists like Shankar Pillai used satire to mock British rule.
Famous Example:
- “Bharat Mata” by Abanindranath Tagore – Showed India as a goddess, symbolizing self-rule and resistance.
3. Role of Music, Theatre & Cinema
(a) Songs & Music
- Vande Mataram (by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay) – Became the war cry of Indian revolutionaries.
- Jana Gana Mana (by Rabindranath Tagore) – Later became India’s national anthem.
- Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram – Favorite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, sung during movements.
(b) Theatre & Drama
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak used Ganesh Utsav & Shivaji Jayanti as cultural-political platforms.
- Girish Chandra Ghosh and Dwijendralal Ray wrote nationalist dramas.
- Theatre groups staged plays like Neel Darpan (1860), exposing British atrocities on indigo farmers.
(c) Films & Cinema
- Films like “Mother India” (1957) depicted pre-independence struggles.
- Dadasaheb Phalke’s “Raja Harishchandra” (1913), India’s first film, reflected Indian traditions.
- Historical films on Bhagat Singh, Gandhi, and other freedom fighters kept the nationalist spirit alive.
4. Architecture & Monuments
- Jallianwala Bagh Memorial (Amritsar) – Built to commemorate the 1919 massacre.
- Chittaranjan Das Memorial, Kolkata – Honored freedom fighters.
5. Role of Newspapers and Magazines
- Illustrated nationalist newspapers like:
- Kesari (Bal Gangadhar Tilak)
- Bande Mataram (Aurobindo Ghosh)
- Hind Swaraj (Mahatma Gandhi)
- Comics & Illustrations: Used to expose British policies and inspire people.
MCQs on Art in the Indian Freedom Struggle
1. Who painted the famous painting “Bharat Mata”?
a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Abanindranath Tagore
c) Nandalal Bose
d) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: (b) Abanindranath Tagore
2. Who was the founder of the Bengal School of Art?
a) Amrita Sher-Gil
b) Raja Ravi Varma
c) Abanindranath Tagore
d) Nandalal Bose
Answer: (c) Abanindranath Tagore
3. Which famous song was used as a national anthem during the freedom struggle?
a) Sare Jahan Se Achha
b) Jana Gana Mana
c) Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
d) Vande Mataram
Answer: (d) Vande Mataram
4. Which artist is known for designing the Haripura Congress posters in 1938?
a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Nandalal Bose
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) Abanindranath Tagore
Answer: (b) Nandalal Bose
5. Which Indian artist is called the ‘Father of Modern Indian Art’?
a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Rabindranath Tagore
c) Amrita Sher-Gil
d) Abanindranath Tagore
Answer: (a) Raja Ravi Varma
6. “Neel Darpan,” a famous play, depicted which issue?
a) Salt Satyagraha
b) Indigo farmer exploitation
c) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
d) Partition of Bengal
Answer: (b) Indigo farmer exploitation
7. Who is the first Indian filmmaker, often regarded as the father of Indian cinema?
a) Satyajit Ray
b) Dadasaheb Phalke
c) Ritwik Ghatak
d) Raj Kapoor
Answer: (b) Dadasaheb Phalke
8. Which art movement opposed British artistic influences and revived Indian traditions?
a) Modernist School
b) Bengal School of Art
c) Abstract Expressionism
d) Surrealism
Answer: (b) Bengal School of Art
9. Who created the first oil paintings in India?
a) Raja Ravi Varma
b) Nandalal Bose
c) Abanindranath Tagore
d) Amrita Sher-Gil
Answer: (a) Raja Ravi Varma
10. Which newspaper, started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, used illustrations to inspire the freedom movement?
a) The Hindu
b) Kesari
c) Hind Swaraj
d) The Times of India
Answer: (b) Kesari
Conclusion
Art played an essential role in uniting India’s freedom fighters by:
- Depicting nationalist symbols (Bharat Mata, historical heroes).
- Creating powerful songs, theatre, and films to inspire patriotism.
- Challenging British dominance in art, literature, and media.
Would you like a PDF version or more detailed MCQs? 😊