Question

Who among the following is considered the pioneer of Indian Modern Art?

• A. Raja Ravi Varma
• B. Amrita Sher-Gil
• C. Jamini Roy
• D. M.F. Husain

Hint:

Link Raja Ravi Varma with realism, Amrita Sher-Gil with modernism, and M.F. Husain with progressive artists.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding Indian Modern Art.
Modern Indian Art refers to the art movement that broke away from traditional religious or court styles and embraced contemporary, individual, and global artistic expressions.
Step 2: Role of Amrita Sher-Gil.
Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941) is regarded as the pioneer of Indian modern art. She combined Western techniques, especially post-impressionism, with Indian themes and subjects. Her works focused on the lives of ordinary Indians, especially women, and rural settings.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
- (A) Raja Ravi Varma: Known for combining Indian themes with European realism, but he is considered a classical painter, not modernist.
- (B) Amrita Sher-Gil: Correct, she is called the “pioneer of modern Indian art.”
- (C) Jamini Roy: He contributed to Indian folk modernism but came after Sher-Gil.
- (D) M.F. Husain: Famous for progressive modern Indian art, but he followed the earlier modernist movement started by Sher-Gil.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, Amrita Sher-Gil holds the title of the pioneer of Indian Modern Art.