Famous Indian Artists

Raja Ravi Varma was an influential Indian painter known for merging European academic art with traditional Indian themes. He revolutionized the art world by making affordable lithographs of his paintings accessible to the public, increasing his reach and influence. His religious depictions of Hindu deities and scenes from Indian epics garnered widespread acclaim. Varma's work not only engaged common people with fine arts but also shaped artistic tastes among the masses. His legacy continues through his association with the royal family of Travancore, where his descendants have played significant roles.

Maqbool Fida Husain was an Indian artist renowned for his bold, vibrantly colored narrative paintings in a modified Cubist style. A founding member of the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group, he played a significant role in Indian modernism during the 1940s. His works covered a wide range of themes, from political figures like Gandhi to religious and mythological subjects. Despite his international acclaim, his later works sparked controversy due to nudity, leading to legal issues and self-imposed exile. Husain also ventured into filmmaking, winning a National Film Award and directing "Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities."

Jamini Roy was an acclaimed Indian painter recognized for his unique artistic style influenced by traditional Indian folk art. He gained prominence as a pupil of Abanindranath Tagore. Roy's work was characterized by its simplicity and flatness, with elements reminiscent of European modern art. His style was inspired by the folk art paintings commonly found in Indian temples. In 1954, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan award by the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as one of India's most celebrated artists.

Nek Chand Saini was a self-taught Indian artist renowned for creating the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, an expansive sculpture garden in Chandigarh. Despite lacking formal training, he dedicated himself to transforming a barren wasteland into a vibrant and intricate artistic masterpiece. His innovative use of recycled materials and construction debris showcased his talent and creativity. Nek Chand's work earned international acclaim and recognition for its unique blend of art, nature, and sustainability, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of contemporary art.

Tyeb Mehta was an influential Indian painter, sculptor, and filmmaker known for his pioneering role in the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group and the post-colonial art scene in India. He broke away from traditional nationalist styles and embraced Modernism, incorporating post-impressionist colors, cubist forms, and expressionistic styles. His notable works include the triptych Celebration, which set a record price at auction, as well as the 'Diagonal Series', Santiniketan triptych series, Kali, and Mahishasura. Mehta received prestigious awards, such as the Padma Bhushan, and his artistic journey was shaped by his experiences in Mumbai, London, New York, and Santiniketan.

Bhanu Athaiya was a pioneering Indian costume designer and painter, known for her significant contributions to both art and cinema. As the first Indian to win an Academy Award, she made a mark in the film industry by working on over 100 Bollywood films with renowned filmmakers. Her work on iconic movies like "Gandhi" earned her international acclaim, including an Oscar for Best Costume Design. Athaiya's artistic talent and dedication to creating the visual aesthetic of Indian cinema established her as a trailblazer in the industry.

Ustad Mansur, a seventeenth-century Indian painter and naturalist, was a prominent Mughal court artist known for his exquisite depictions of plants and animals. He was recognized for being the first artist to depict the dodo in color and illustrate the Siberian crane. His exceptional talent earned him the title of ustad during Akbar's reign and Nãdir-al-’Asr (Unequalled of the age) under Emperor Jahangir. While renowned for his natural history illustrations, Mansur also skillfully portrayed people in various manuscript illustrations, showcasing his diverse artistic abilities.

Mario Miranda was an Indian cartoonist and painter known for his work published in The Times of India and other newspapers in Mumbai. He gained popularity through his illustrations in The Illustrated Weekly of India. His distinctive style and humor captivated audiences, earning him widespread acclaim. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2012, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of art and cartooning. Miranda's legacy continues to inspire and entertain people with his unique creations.

Anjolie Ela Menon is a prominent contemporary artist in India known for her unique style and versatile use of mediums. Her artworks are featured in prestigious collections such as the NGMA and the Peabody Essex Museum. She gained international recognition with her triptych work "Yatra" acquired by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Menon has participated in notable group exhibitions and is acclaimed for her expertise in oil on masonite, as well as other mediums like Murano glass and watercolor. She is celebrated for her mural work and was honored with the Padma Shree award in 2000. Currently based in New Delhi, Menon continues to create captivating art pieces that resonate globally.

B. C. Sanyal was a prominent Indian painter and sculptor known for his significant contributions to modernism in Indian art. He served as an influential art teacher to several generations of artists. Throughout his illustrious career, Sanyal witnessed and reflected the evolution of 20th-century Indian art. Notable works such as The flying scarecrow, Cow herd, Despair, and Way to peace showcase his artistic prowess. His achievements include receiving the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 1984 and the Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship for lifetime achievement in 1980.

F.N. Souza was a pioneering artist in modern Indian painting, known for his role as a founding member of the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group. His style uniquely blended elements of decadence and primitivism, setting him apart in the art world. Souza's professional life was marked by a bold and innovative approach to art, showcasing his distinctive artistic vision. His contributions to the art scene have left a lasting impact, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in the history of Indian art.

Svetoslav Roerich was a renowned Russian-Indian painter with a strong foundation in architecture. He studied under his father's guidance from a young age and later pursued architecture studies in England and the United States. He achieved recognition for his work by winning the Grand Prix of the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Roerich's professional life was characterized by his dedication to the arts, blending architectural knowledge with his unique artistic vision to create a distinctive body of work that continues to inspire and influence the art world.

Ganesh Pyne was a renowned Indian painter and draughtsman associated with the Bengal School of Art. He is recognized for his unique style of "poetic surrealism," characterized by fantasy and dark imagery inspired by Bengali folklore and mythology. Pyne's work stood out for its intricate details and emotive storytelling, setting him apart as one of the most notable contemporary artists in the art scene. His artistic contributions have left a lasting impact on the art world, showcasing his innovative approach and deep connection to cultural themes.

Farrukh Beg, a Persian miniature painter, is known for his significant contributions to Mughal art. He gained recognition for his work as an illustrator of the Akbarnama and Baburnama. Farrukh Beg's professional life was marked by numerous commissions from renowned rulers such as Ibrahim Mirza, Mirza Muhammad Hakim, Akbar, Ibrahim Adil Shah II, and Jahangir. His artistry and skill in Persian miniature painting left a lasting impact on the art world, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.

Manohar Das was an Indian painter who succeeded his father Basawan as court painter for Mughal Emperor Akbar. He served as a court painter for Akbar and continued his career under Akbar's successor Jahangir. Known for his works depicting royal families at court, many of Manohar Das' paintings can be found at prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. His artistry and talent in capturing the essence of court life have left a lasting legacy in the world of Indian painting.

Abu'l-Hasan, a renowned seventeenth-century Mughal painter, enjoyed the patronage of Emperor Jahangir and was honored with the title "Nādir al-Zamān" (Wonder of the Age). He excelled in miniature painting and portraiture, with one of his most famous works being the depiction of a chinar tree with squirrels. His masterpieces are celebrated for their intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship. The painting, now housed at the India Office Library, showcases his exceptional talent and artistic vision, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in Mughal art history.

Sahibdin, an Indian miniature painter, is celebrated for his contributions to the Mewar School of painting during the 17th century. Renowned for merging Mughal and Rajput styles, he was a key figure in Indian art history. His masterpiece series, Ragamala, showcases his talent in musically themed paintings. Sahibdin's professional life highlights his artistic prowess and ability to blend different artistic influences, leaving a lasting impact on the art world with his innovative approach to traditional painting techniques.

Basawan, an Indian miniature painter, served as a court painter for Akbar, showcasing his talent in illustrating Akbar's official biography, Akbarnama. His innovative use of portraiture was highly acclaimed during his time, marking a significant contribution to Indian art. Basawan's interest in Western paintings and techniques set him apart as one of the first Indian artists to explore and incorporate foreign influences into his work. His professional life was distinguished by his artistic vision, creativity, and ability to merge diverse cultural elements into his paintings.

Daswanth was an Indian painter known for his work as a court painter under Mughal Emperor Akbar. He was recognized as one of the key court painters during Akbar's reign, alongside Basawan. Daswanth's significance lies in his contribution to illustrating the Razm-nāmeh, a Persian rendition of the Hindu epic the Mahabharata. His professional life revolved around creating intricate and culturally significant artworks for the Mughal court, showcasing his talent and skill in capturing the essence of these historical narratives through his paintings.

Daulat, a prominent Mughal painter, thrived during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. His exceptional skills as a portrait artist were showcased in illustrating significant texts like the Akbar-nāmeh and Bābur-nāmeh. Known for his expertise in gold illumination and miniatures, Daulat's artistry left a lasting impact. His professional life was marked by a dedication to his craft, evident in his contributions to the Mughal artistic legacy. Daulat's influence extended beyond his own works, as his father and brother also pursued careers as painters.

Bichitr, a renowned Mughal-era painter, gained favor with emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, possibly continuing his work into Aurangzeb's reign. His diverse paintings showcased romantic themes, Indian landscapes, and European-inspired figures like cherubs. Notably, Bichitr depicted himself in Hindu attire in a self-portrait. His skillful artistry and ability to blend influences from different cultures made him a respected figure in the Mughal court, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of Indian art during his professional career.

Bishandas, a renowned Mughal-era painter, gained prominence during Emperor Jahangir's reign. Although believed to be Hindu, little is known about his background. His exceptional talent led him to Persia, where his portraits of the Shah earned him significant recognition. Bishandas' mastery in capturing the essence of his subjects garnered him high acclaim, evident in the gift of an elephant he received in appreciation for his artistic works. His professional life was characterized by artistic excellence and recognition across different regions.