1999 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 37: History and Culture
The paintings of Abanindranath Tagore are classified as
arealistic
bsocialistic
crevivalistic
dimpressionistic
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Abanindranath Tagore founded the Bengal School of art, which turned away from European academic realism and revived Indian traditions, drawing on Mughal miniatures, Rajput painting and the Ajanta murals. His Bharat Mata is the best-known work. That is why his painting is called revivalist. Remember: Bengal School means revivalism, supported by E. B. Havell.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. He rejected European academic realism.
- (b) Wrong. His paintings were not social-realist or political in this sense.
- (c) Right. His work revived Indian artistic traditions.
- (d) Wrong. His style is not impressionist; it is Indian-traditional in its approach.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.