The correct option is K. C. S. Paniker.
Explanation
The Cholamandalam Artists' Village is India's largest self-supporting artists' commune, located in Chennai (formerly Madras). It was established to provide a communal space for artists to live, work, and promote the "Madras Art Movement," which sought to modernize Indian art while retaining regional roots.
Detailed Analysis
- K. C. S. Paniker: He was a seminal figure in modern Indian art and served as the Principal of the Government School of Arts and Crafts, Madras. In 1966, he founded the Cholamandalam Artists' Village along with his students and fellow artists. His vision was to create an environment where artists could sustain themselves through their craft while pursuing creative freedom.
- J. Swaminathan: A key figure in Indian modernism, he is associated with the founding of 'Group 1890' and was instrumental in the establishment of Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal, not Cholamandalam.
- Ramkinker Baij: A pioneer of modern Indian sculpture, he was deeply associated with Santiniketan and the Bengal School of Art.
- Benode Behari Mukherjee: A celebrated muralist and painter, he was also a faculty member at Santiniketan and is not linked to the Madras Art Movement.
Key Takeaway
K. C. S. Paniker founded the Cholamandalam Artists' Village in 1966, a pivotal institution in the history of the Madras Art Movement.