Question

Who among the following was the founder of the Indian Society of Oriental Art?

• A. Rabindranath Tagore
• B. Gaganendranath Tagore
• C. Abanindranath Tagore
• D. E. B. Havell

Hint:

Associate Abanindranath Tagore with the leadership of the Bengal School and its key institutions. While others like his brother Gaganendranath and E.B. Havell were crucial, Abanindranath was the central artistic figure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the founder of the Indian Society of Oriental Art, an influential institution associated with the Bengal School of Art.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Indian Society of Oriental Art was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1907. It was founded by a group of artists and European art connoisseurs to promote and develop a modern art movement based on traditional Indian art forms, moving away from the styles promoted by the British. While his brother Gaganendranath Tagore was also a key founder and played a significant administrative role, Abanindranath Tagore was the principal artist, teacher, and ideological leader of the entire movement that the society was created to support. He is widely regarded as the "father" of the Bengal School, and his artistic vision was the driving force behind the society's creation. Therefore, in the context of the artistic movement, Abanindranath is considered the primary founding figure. E.B. Havell was a British supporter and ideologue who collaborated with Tagore, while Rabindranath Tagore was not directly involved in the society's founding.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Abanindranath Tagore was the leading figure and founder of the Indian Society of Oriental Art.