The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Calcutta Group, established in 1943, is historically significant as the first modernist art collective in India. It emerged during a period of intense socio-political turmoil, including World War II and the Bengal Famine, marking a decisive shift in the trajectory of Indian art.
- Statement 1 is Correct: The group was formed under the leadership of the sculptor Prodosh Das Gupta. Other founding members included artists such as Rathin Maitra, Gopal Ghose, Subho Tagore, Paritosh Sen, and Nirode Mazumdar. They came together to create an artistic vocabulary that was distinct from existing traditions.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Calcutta Group explicitly rejected the revivalist and sentimental style of the Bengal School of Art. They believed that the Bengal School's focus on mythological themes and lyrical romanticism was inadequate for expressing the harsh realities of the 1940s. Instead, they advocated for a synthesis of Indian traditions with Western modernism.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The artists were deeply influenced by the social philosophy of Marxism. The devastating impact of the Bengal Famine (1943) compelled them to adopt social realism, using their art to depict the suffering, struggles, and agony of the common people rather than idealized subjects.
Key Takeaway: The Calcutta Group (1943) introduced Modernism to Indian art by breaking away from the Bengal School's romanticism and embracing social realism driven by the socio-political crises of the time.