Nandalal Bose (3 December 1882 – 16 April 1966) was one of the pioneers of modern Indian art and a key figure of Contextual Modernism. A pupil of Abanindranath Tagore, Bose was known for his 'Indian style' of painting. He became the principal of Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan in 1921. He was influenced by the Tagore family and the murals of Ajanta; his classic works include paintings of scenes from Indian mythologies, women, and village life. Today, many critics consider his paintings among India's most important modern paintings. In 1976, the Archaeological Survey of India, Department of Culture, Govt. of India declared his works among the 'nine artists' whose work, 'not being antiquities', were to be henceforth considered 'to be art treasures, having regard to their artistic and aesthetic value'. He was given the work of illustrating the constitution of India.

Early Life and Career

Nandalal Bose, a renowned Indian artist, was born on December 3, 1882, in a middle-class Bengali family in Haverli Kharagpur, Munger district, Bihar. His interest in art began at an early age, and he later pursued it as a career, despite initial disapproval from his family. Nandalal Bose joined the Calcutta School of Art, where he was influenced by the murals of the Ajanta Caves. He became part of an international circle of artists and writers seeking to revive classical Indian culture. This association led to his involvement in the non-violence movement, as marked by his 1930 black on white linocut print of Mahatma Gandhi walking with a staff.

Artistic Style and Contributions

Nandalal Bose's artistic style was characterized by his "Indian style" of painting, which blended traditional Indian and Persian influences. His works include scenes from Indian mythologies, women, and village life, earning him recognition as one of the pioneers of modern Indian art. Some notable works by Nandalal Bose include:

• A Lion (59 x 63 cm, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Tempera) - [https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3ZHUE-Nandlal-Boshu-A-Lion](https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3ZHUE-Nandlal-Boshu-A-Lion)
• Dhol Wala (59 x 63 cm, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Tempera) - [https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3ZGTG-Nandlal-Boshu-Dhol-Wala](https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3ZGTG-Nandlal-Boshu-Dhol-Wala)
• Pranam (50 x 55 cm, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Tempera) - [https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3ZGTA-Nandlal-Boshu-Pranam](https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3ZGTA-Nandlal-Boshu-Pranam)

Legacy and Recognition

Nandalal Bose's contributions to Indian art are immense. He was given the task of illustrating the Constitution of India and was recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1976 as one of the "nine artists" whose work is considered an "art treasure." Today, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi holds over 7,000 of his works. Important Links: * Nandalal Bose's biography on Wikipedia - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandalal_Bose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandalal_Bose) * Nandlal Boshu's artworks on WahooArt.com - [https://WahooArt.com/@/Nandlal-Boshu](https://WahooArt.com/@/Nandlal-Boshu)