Correct Option
The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
The question pertains to the emergence of the Bengal School of Art during the British colonial period. This movement sought to revive indigenous artistic traditions and create a distinct modern Indian identity in art, countering the dominance of Western academic realism promoted by colonial art schools.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: E.B. Havell was an English art administrator and historian who served as the Principal of the Government School of Art, Calcutta. He strongly criticized the colonial pedagogical method of teaching Western academic styles to Indian students. Instead, he advocated for a return to native traditions, such as the styles found in Mughal miniatures and Ajanta murals, to create a true modern Indian art rooted in its own heritage.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Havell did not oppose Abanindranath Tagore; rather, he was his close collaborator and mentor. Together, they worked to revitalize Indian art. Havell encouraged Tagore to look towards Indian artistic history for inspiration, which was instrumental in the founding of the Bengal School of Art.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Havell actively rejected the European academic style (Naturalism) as the path for Indian artists. He believed that Western methods were unsuited to the Indian temperament and spiritual outlook. To enforce this, he even removed the collection of European paintings from the Government School of Art's gallery and replaced them with examples of Indian art to inspire students.
Key Takeaway
E.B. Havell was a pivotal figure in the nationalist art movement who, alongside Abanindranath Tagore, rejected the imposition of Victorian academic realism and championed the revival of traditional Indian aesthetics.