The Bombay School of Arts, established in 1857 in Mumbai, was pivotal in modern Indian art, blending Western techniques with Indian themes. Influencing many artists, including Raja Ravi Varma and F.N. Souza, it transitioned towards modernism by the mid-20th century, remaining one of India’s premier fine arts institutions today.
Tag: Art and Culture
Amrita Sher-Gil, born in 1913 in Budapest, was a transformative figure in modern Indian art, blending Indian and Western styles. Recognized for her profound depictions of Indian women’s lives and rural struggles, her legacy includes significant works and accolades, establishing her as a pioneer and a National Treasure in India.
Categories
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.
Categories
Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906)
Raja Ravi Varma, born in 1848, was a transformative Indian artist celebrated as the father of modern Indian art. He fused Indian mythology with European oil techniques, making art widely accessible through his lithographic press. His realistic portrayals influenced Indian culture, cinema, and religious imagery, leaving a lasting legacy in the arts.
Categories
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore, born on May 7, 1861, was a prominent Bengali poet and writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for “Gitanjali.” A champion of education and social reform, he founded Visva-Bharati University. Tagore composed numerous songs, including the national anthems of India and Bangladesh, and influenced global literature.
Categories
Literature of the Gupta Period
The Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) is known as the “Golden Age of India”, especially in literature, science, and arts. Sanskrit literature flourished, and important works in poetry, drama, grammar, philosophy, and religious texts were written. 1. Features of Gupta Period Literature ✅ Flourishing of Sanskrit Literature – Sanskrit became the court language.✅ Support from […]
Categories
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in Delhi in 1565–1572 by Empress Bega Begum (Humayun’s widow). It served as a model for later Mughal structures, including the Taj Mahal. 1. History of Humayun’s Tomb 🔹 Commissioned by Bega Begum (Haji Begum), […]
The Dravida style is a prominent South Indian temple architecture characterized by pyramidal vimanas, large gopurams, and enclosed complexes. Developed between the 6th-9th centuries by dynasties like the Pallavas and Cholas, key examples include the Brihadeshwara and Meenakshi temples. Understanding this style is crucial for competitive exams.
The Nagara style, prominent in North India, features curvilinear shikharas, intricate carvings, and raised platforms, evolving during the Gupta period. Distinguished from Dravidian architecture, it includes temples like the Dashavatara and Kandariya Mahadev. Key dynasties fostered this style’s development, contributing to India’s rich cultural heritage.
Categories
Tanjore Painting
The Tanjore School of Painting, originating in 16th-17th century Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is celebrated for its vibrant colors, gold foil work, and religious themes. Influenced by temple art, its unique features include embossed gold patterns and depictions of Hindu deities. It is a significant cultural heritage symbol, recognized with a GI tag.