The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Pan-Asianism in Indian art emerged in the early 20th century as an intellectual and artistic movement. It sought to revive and synthesize Asian cultural traditions to counter the dominance of Western academic art and cultural imperialism.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Pan-Asianism was not promoted by British art historians. Instead, it was championed by Asian intellectuals, primarily the Japanese scholar Okakura Kakuzo and Indian figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Abanindranath Tagore. The movement arose as a nationalist and regionalist response to British colonial influence on Indian culture, rather than being a tool of the British.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The central objective of the movement was to foster a sense of shared Asian identity ("Asia is One") to resist Western imperialism. It aimed to unite Eastern nations culturally and spiritually, arguing that Asian civilizations shared common values distinct from the materialistic West.
- Statement 3 is Correct: To facilitate this cultural exchange, Okakura Kakuzo sent Japanese artists, such as Yokoyama Taikan and Hishida Shunso, to India. They stayed at the Tagore residence and interacted with Indian artists. This exchange introduced Japanese ink and brush techniques (specifically the wash technique) to Indian artists, significantly influencing the Bengal School of Art.
Key Takeaway:
Pan-Asianism in Indian art was an anti-imperialist movement led by figures like Okakura Kakuzo and the Tagores, characterized by the synthesis of Indian and Japanese artistic techniques (such as the wash method) to forge a unified Asian cultural identity.