Abanindranath Tagore

IN NEWS:

• The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, on Thursday said it would host a virtual tour of almost 100 works by artist Abanindranath Tagore to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary on Friday.

About the Painter:

• Abanindranath Tagore (7 August 1871 – 5 December 1951) was the principal artist and creator of the "Indian Society of Oriental Art".
• He was also the first major exponent of Swadeshi values in Indian art, thereby founding the influential Bengal school of art, which led to the development of modern Indian painting.
• He was also a noted writer, particularly for children. Popularly known as 'Aban Thakur', his books Rajkahini, Budo Angla, Nalak, and Khirer Putul were landmarks in Bengali language children's literature and art.
• Tagore sought to modernise Mughal and Rajput styles to counter the influence of Western models of art, as taught in art schools under the British Raj and his works lead to the creation of Bengal School of art.
• Along with other artists from the Bengal school of art, Tagore advocated in favour of a nationalistic Indian art derived from Indian art history, drawing inspiration from the Ajanta Caves.
• Bharat Mata, The Passing of Shah Jahan , My Mother etc are some of his most famous works.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Abanindranath Tagore:
1.He was a proponent of Bengal School of Art.
2.“Bharat Mata” is a famous painting created by him.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2 
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question