The correct option is Jamini Roy.
Explanation
In the context of Modern Indian Art, artists sought to move away from Western academic realism to discover an indigenous artistic language. While the Bengal School initially drew inspiration from classical miniatures (Mughal and Rajput) and Ajanta murals, a shift occurred towards the simplicity and vitality of rural folk art traditions.Analysis:
- Jamini Roy (Correct): Although trained in the Western academic style, Roy rejected it to adopt the idiom of Bengali folk painting, specifically the Kalighat Pat (scroll painting) tradition. His style is defined by flat colours, bold sweeping outlines, and figures with large, almond-shaped eyes, capturing the essence of rural Bengal.
- Raja Ravi Varma (Incorrect): He is renowned for mastering Western academic realism and oil painting. His works are characterized by three-dimensional modeling, perspective, and naturalism, which is the exact opposite of the flat folk style.
- Gaganendranath Tagore (Incorrect): A key figure of the Bengal School, he is best known for his experiments with Cubism and satirical caricatures, rather than the adoption of folk art styles.
- Abanindranath Tagore (Incorrect): The founder of the Bengal School, he is famous for reviving the wash technique and drawing inspiration from Mughal miniatures and Japanese wash styles, focusing on soft, ethereal visuals rather than the bold, flat lines of folk art.
Key Takeaway:
Jamini Roy is the pioneer of modern Indian art who abandoned European naturalism to revive the visual vocabulary of Bengali folk art (Kalighat Pat), characterized by bold lines and flat, vibrant colours.