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UPSC CSE Pre 1999

Modern Indian Art Movements

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The paintings of Abanindranath Tagore have classified as:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Bengal School of Art, led by Abanindranath Tagore, emerged as a nationalist response to British academic realism, seeking to revive ancient Indian techniques.

Explanation Abanindranath Tagore's work is classified as 'Revivalistic' because he sought to return to the aesthetic roots of Ajanta murals, Mughal miniatures, and Rajput art. His iconic 'Bharat Mata' painting used the Japanese wash technique but maintained an indigenous spiritual essence.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The movement was 'Revivalist' because it rejected Western oil painting in favor of traditional Indian sensibilities.
Logic 2: Tagore and E.B. Havell worked together to encourage artists to look back at India's classical heritage for inspiration.

Active Recall

Question

What was the primary goal of the Bengal School of Art?

Answer

To develop a distinctively Indian modern art style that rejected Western materialism and realism.

Core Insight

Abanindranath Tagore transformed Indian art from a colonial imitation into a vehicle for national identity and spiritual expression.

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