Question

Which of the following styles of art were a source of inspiration to Abanindranath Tagore and E.B. Havell?

• A. Academic Style of Colonial Art
• B. Company School of painting
• C. Mughal and Pahari Miniature
• D. Bundi paintings

Hint:

The Bengal School of Art was a nationalist movement that reacted against colonial art styles. Therefore, its inspiration had to come from pre-colonial, indigenous Indian art traditions like Mughal and Rajput (including Pahari) miniatures.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept Identification:
This query concerns the artistic influences on the founders of the Bengal School of Art, a significant movement in contemporary Indian art.

Step 2: Comprehensive Analysis:
E.B. Havell, then principal of the Government College of Art in Calcutta, and artist Abanindranath Tagore were central figures in the Bengal School. They repudiated the Western Academic art style (Option 1), prevalent in British-administered art institutions in India, deeming it materialistic and inadequate for conveying Indian spiritual concepts. They advocated for the re-establishment of a genuine Indian artistic tradition. To achieve this, they sought inspiration from India's own artistic legacy. Their principal influences included the elegance, fine lines, and subject matter found in Mughal and Pahari miniature paintings, along with the ancient Ajanta murals. These historical art forms embodied the aesthetic and spiritual values they aimed to reintegrate into a modern context.

Step 3: Conclusive Answer:
The Mughal and Pahari miniature art styles served as a primary inspiration for Abanindranath Tagore and E.B. Havell.