All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Who among the following was one of the founders of the Indian Society of Oriental Art?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

Abanindranath Tagore

Understanding the Indian Society of Oriental Art

The question asks about the founders of the Indian Society of Oriental Art. This society played a significant role in the development of modern Indian art, particularly associated with the Bengal School of Art.

The Indian Society of Oriental Art was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1907. Its founding was a key moment in the artistic and cultural landscape of India during the early 20th century. The society aimed to promote and revive traditional Indian artistic styles and techniques, which were seen as being overshadowed by Western influences at the time. It provided a platform for Indian artists and intellectuals to showcase their work and ideas.

Key Founders and Figures

Several notable figures were involved in the establishment and activities of the Indian Society of Oriental Art. Among the prominent founders were:

  • Abanindranath Tagore: A key figure in the Bengal School of Art, he was a central artist and theorist behind the movement and a principal founder of the society.
  • Gaganendranath Tagore: Abanindranath's brother, also an artist, was actively involved in the society and its initiatives.
  • Ernest Binfield Havell (E.B. Havell): The Principal of the Government School of Art, Calcutta, he was a strong advocate for Indian art and collaborated closely with the Tagores in establishing the society.
  • Other European members who supported the revival of Indian art.

The society organized exhibitions, published journals, and supported artists working in traditional Indian styles. It was instrumental in shaping the direction of modern Indian art.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options in the context of the Indian Society of Oriental Art:

  • Rabindranath Tagore: While a towering figure in Indian culture and Abanindranath and Gaganendranath's uncle, Rabindranath Tagore was not typically listed as one of the primary founders of the *Indian Society of Oriental Art*. His contributions were immense across literature, music, and his own unique style of painting, but the society's direct founding is more closely associated with others.
  • Abanindranath Tagore: As discussed, Abanindranath Tagore was a pivotal founder of the society and a leading artist of the Bengal School it championed.
  • Dwarakanath Tagore: Dwarakanath Tagore was Rabindranath's grandfather and a prominent entrepreneur and social reformer in the 19th century. He passed away long before the founding of the Indian Society of Oriental Art in 1907.
  • Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya: A celebrated Bengali writer, poet, and journalist, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya was a contemporary of the earlier generation of the Tagore family and a significant figure in Bengali literature. He was not involved in the founding of the Indian Society of Oriental Art.

Based on historical records and the roles of these individuals, Abanindranath Tagore was indeed one of the founders of the Indian Society of Oriental Art.

Revision Table: Indian Society of Oriental Art Founders

Figure Role/Contribution Associated with Indian Society of Oriental Art?
Abanindranath Tagore Artist, Chief Architect of Bengal School Yes (Founder)
Gaganendranath Tagore Artist Yes (Founder/Key Member)
E.B. Havell Art Administrator, Advocate of Indian Art Yes (Founder)
Rabindranath Tagore Poet, Writer, Painter, Philosopher Not a primary founder of the society, though related to the family involved.
Dwarakanath Tagore Businessman, Social Reformer (19th Century) No (Lived earlier)
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya Writer, Journalist No

Additional Information: The Bengal School of Art

The Indian Society of Oriental Art was closely linked to the Bengal School of Art movement. This movement emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the academic Western art styles taught in British art schools in India.

  • The Bengal School artists sought inspiration from traditional Indian miniature painting, Mughal art, and Japanese wash techniques.
  • Abanindranath Tagore is considered the father of the Bengal School.
  • The movement aimed to express India's unique spiritual and cultural identity through art.
  • While initially nationalistic, the Bengal School evolved and faced criticism for its limited scope and style later on, paving the way for further experimentation in modern Indian art.

The Indian Society of Oriental Art was a crucial institution for promoting the artists and ideals of the Bengal School during its formative years.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Consider the following statements:

    1. In Hind Swaraj, Mahatma Gandhi formulates a conception of a good life for the individual as well as society.

    2. Hind Swaraj was the outcome of the experience of Gandhi’s prolonged struggle against the Colonial Raj in India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  2. The concept of "Four Pillar State", free from district magistracy for India was suggested by ________.

  3. What was the Dutt-Bradley thesis?

  4. ' Chandimangala ' was composed in which one of the following languages during the 16 th century CE ?

  5. Which of the following statements with regard to the speech of Mahatma Gandhi at the opening of the Banaras Hindu University are correct?

    1. He charged the Indian elite with a lack of concern for the labouring poor.
    2. He asserted that our salvation can come only through the farmers.
    3. He highlighted the plight of the untouchables.
    4. He promised to take up the cause of the mill owners of Ahmadabad.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  6. Match List-I and List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

    List-I(Historian)

    List-II (Book)

    A.

    Sumit Sarkar

    1. The Rise and growth of economic nationalism in India

    B.

    Shahid Amin

    2. A Rule of Property for Bengal

    C.

    Ranajit Guha

    3. The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal

    D.

    Bipan Chandra

    4. Event, Metaphor, Memory - Chauri Chaura

  7. Who among the following wrote "The Philosophy of the Bomb"?

  8. Arrange the following in the chronological order of their implementation:

    1. The Indian Factory Act (First)

    2. The Vernacular Press Act

    3. The Morley-Minto Reforms

    4. The Cornwallis Code

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  9. The year 1916 is important in Indian history for:

    1. Lucknow Session of the Congress

    2. Congress - League Pact

    3. Formation of Home Rule League

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  10. The work siyar-ul-mutakherin , which describes the Battle of Plassey, 1757, was written by -


Important Questions from Important Historical Data

  1. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose wrote the book:

  2. Match List - 1 with List - 2 with the assistance of the codes given below :

    List - 1List - 2
    (Authors)(Works)
    1.Aryabhattaa.Brihat Samhita
    2.Brahmaguptab.Hastayurveda
    3.Varahamihirac.Surya Siddhant
    4.Bhaskarad.Khand Khandayaka
    5.Palakapyae.Siddhanta Siromani
  3. Who wrote the book titled 'The history of Human Marriage' ?

  4. Who is known for the concept "foot loose labour" in India ?

  5. Who is the story-writer of Dao Ramchandra Deshmukh's folk drama 'Kari' ?

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1476 Attempts
4.3(173)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App