Famous Indian Artists & Painters

Raja Ravi Varma was an influential Indian painter known for blending European academic art with Indian sensibility. He made his works accessible to the public through affordable lithographs, expanding his reach and influence. His religious depictions of Hindu deities and scenes from Indian epics were highly acclaimed. Varma played a significant role in increasing common people's engagement with fine arts and shaping artistic tastes. His legacy includes being closely associated with the royal family of Travancore, with two of his granddaughters being adopted into the family.

Maqbool Fida Husain, known as M.F. Husain, was an acclaimed Indian artist and a prominent figure in Indian modernism during the 1940s. He co-founded the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group and gained international recognition for his bold and vibrant narrative paintings executed in a modified Cubist style. His diverse themes included iconic figures like Gandhi and Mother Teresa, as well as Indian mythologies and urban/rural life motifs. Despite his success, his later works sparked controversy due to nude portrayals of Hindu deities, leading to legal issues and a self-imposed exile until his death in 2011.

Amrita Sher-Gil was a Hungarian-Indian painter renowned for her avant-garde style and pioneering role in modern Indian art. Recognized for her work at a young age, she depicted everyday life in her paintings and drew inspiration from precolonial Indian art and contemporary culture. Sher-Gil traveled extensively, including to Turkey, France, and India, further shaping her artistic vision. Considered a significant figure in 20th-century Indian art, her paintings are highly valued today, despite facing limited recognition during her lifetime.

Jamini Roy was an acclaimed Indian painter known for his highly simplified and flattened-out style, influenced by European modern art and Indian bazaar paintings. He received the prestigious award of Padma Bhushan from the Government of India in 1954. Roy was a prominent pupil of Abanindranath Tagore, a renowned Indian artist and instructor. His work was inspired by the traditional "bazaar" paintings sold at Indian temples as talismans. Throughout his professional life, Jamini Roy made significant contributions to the world of art, cementing his legacy as a celebrated artist.

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 crafting intricate sculptures using recycled materials such as broken glass, tiles, and ceramics. Nek Chand's innovative approach to art captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing his exceptional talent and creativity. His work at the Rock Garden of Chandigarh has left a lasting legacy, cementing his reputation as a visionary artist and cultural icon.

Tyeb Mehta was an influential Indian painter, sculptor, and filmmaker known for his contributions to the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group and the post-colonial art scene in India. He embraced Modernism, departing from the nationalist Bengal school, and incorporated post-impressionist colors, cubist forms, and expressionistic styles in his work. Notable paintings include the triptych Celebration and the 'Diagonal Series', among others. Mehta's career was marked by international recognition, with his works fetching record prices at auctions. He received accolades such as the Padma Bhushan in 2007 for his significant contributions to the art world.

Bhanu Athaiya was a pioneering Indian costume designer and painter, renowned for her contributions to both the art world and Bollywood cinema. She made history as the first Indian to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for the film Gandhi. Athaiya's career spanned over 100 films, collaborating with notable Indian filmmakers and working on international projects with renowned directors. Her work left a lasting impact on the aesthetics of Indian cinema, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in costume design.

Ustad Mansur was a prominent seventeenth-century Indian painter and naturalist who served as a Mughal court artist. He excelled in depicting plants and animals, becoming known for his detailed and accurate illustrations. Notably, he was the first artist to depict the dodo in color and to illustrate the Siberian crane. Recognized for his talent, he gained the title of ustad (master) during Akbar's reign and was later hailed as Nãdir-al-’Asr (Unequalled of the age) under Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his exceptional masterpieces. In addition to his natural history illustrations, Ustad Mansur also portrayed people in various manuscript illustrations.

Mario Miranda was an Indian cartoonist and painter known for his work published in various newspapers and magazines, including The Times of India, The Economic Times, and The Illustrated Weekly of India. He gained popularity for his humorous and detailed illustrations. Throughout his career, he created a vast collection of cartoons that captured the essence of Indian life and culture. In recognition of his contributions to the field of art, he was posthumously awarded India's second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2012.

Bishnu Prasad Rabha was an influential Indian cultural figure from Assam, renowned for his contributions in music, dance, painting, literature, and political activism. Known as Kalaguru ("master of the arts") by the Assamese people, he championed the people's cultural movement by integrating classical and folk traditions. His involvement in armed struggle with the Revolutionary Communist Party of India earned him the title Sainik Silpi ("soldier artist") among Marxists. Rabha's professional life was characterized by his multifaceted talents and dedication to promoting Assamese culture through various artistic forms.

Anjolie Ela Menon is a prominent contemporary artist in India known for her distinctive style and mastery in various mediums. Her paintings are featured in significant collections worldwide, showcasing her talent and creativity. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the art world, receiving accolades such as the Padma Shree award. Menon's work extends beyond traditional painting as she has explored diverse media like Murano glass and computer graphics. Her reputation as a skilled muralist further solidifies her position as a leading figure in the art community.

Vasudeo S. Gaitonde, known as V. S. Gaitonde, was an acclaimed Indian painter recognized for his abstract artistry. He was celebrated as one of India's leading abstract painters, renowned for his unique style and artistic vision. Gaitonde's contributions to the art world were honored when he received the Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1971. Throughout his professional life, Gaitonde's work continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian art scene.

Svetoslav Roerich was a renowned Russian-Indian painter who spent a significant part of his career in India. He received early artistic training from his father, Nicholas Roerich, and later pursued studies in architecture in England and the United States. Roerich's talent and dedication were recognized when he won the Grand Prix at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1926. Throughout his professional life, Roerich made significant contributions to the world of art through his unique style and creative vision.

B. C. Sanyal was a prominent Indian painter and sculptor, celebrated as a pioneer of modernism in Indian art. Throughout his illustrious career, he served as an influential art teacher, imparting his knowledge to multiple generations of artists. He witnessed significant historical events such as the partition of the Indian subcontinent multiple times and played a pivotal role in shaping 20th-century Indian art. His remarkable works, including The flying scarecrow, Cow herd, Despair, and Way to peace, reflect his deep artistic vision and cultural insights. Sanyal received prestigious accolades such as the Padma Bhushan and the Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship for his outstanding contributions to the visual arts.

Francis Newton Souza was a prominent artist in modern Indian painting and a key figure in the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group. Known for his unique style that combined elements of decadence and primitivism, Souza made significant contributions to the art world. His works were characterized by bold colors, expressive brushwork, and a distinct blend of Western and Indian influences. Souza's art often tackled themes of religion, sexuality, and social issues, earning him recognition both in India and internationally for his innovative and provocative creations.

Ganesh Pyne was a renowned Indian painter and draughtsman associated with the Bengal School of Art. He is known for developing a unique style of "poetic surrealism" characterized by fantasy and dark imagery inspired by Bengali folklore and mythology. Pyne's work stands out for its intricate details and deep emotional impact, making him one of the most notable contemporary artists in India. Through his art, he explored themes of mystery, nostalgia, and the human experience, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Indian art.

Manohar Das, an Indian painter, succeeded his father Basawan as court painter for Mughal Emperor Akbar. He later served under Akbar's successor Jahangir. Known for his depictions of the royal families at court, many of Manohar Das' works can be found at prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. His career was marked by significant contributions to Mughal art, showcasing his talent and dedication to capturing the essence of the royal court through his paintings.

Abu'l-Hasan, a renowned seventeenth-century Mughal painter, was patronized by Emperor Jahangir and earned the title "Nādir al-Zamān" or "Wonder of the Age." Known for his expertise in miniature painting and portraits, he created masterpieces such as the famous chinar tree with squirrels. His exceptional talents gained recognition and his works continue to be admired, with one of his notable pieces displayed at the India Office Library. Abu'l-Hasan's professional life was distinguished by his artistic achievements and the favor of Emperor Jahangir.

Basawan, an Indian miniature painter, was a prominent court painter for Akbar. His notable work includes illustrations in Akbar's official biography, the Akbarnama, where his innovative use of portraiture stood out. He was recognized for introducing Western painting techniques to Indian art early on, showcasing a unique interest in cross-cultural influences. Basawan's professional life was marked by his significant contributions to the art world, particularly in the realm of miniature painting and his influence on the artistic landscape during the Mughal era.

Sahibdin, an Indian miniature painter, is celebrated for his contributions to the Mewar School of painting during the 17th century. Known as one of the era's foremost artists, he adeptly blended the renowned Mughal style with the traditional Rajput style, leaving a lasting impact on Indian art. Sahibdin's expertise shines through in his series of musically themed paintings, particularly the revered Ragamala collection. His professional legacy is characterized by innovation, skillful technique, and a harmonious fusion of artistic influences from different traditions.

Farrukh Beg was a renowned Persian miniature painter known for his significant impact on Mughal art. His professional life was marked by notable contributions as an illustrator for prominent historical works such as the Akbarnama and the Baburnama. He received numerous commissions from esteemed rulers like Ibrahim Mirza, Mirza Muhammad Hakim, Akbar, Ibrahim Adil Shah II, and Jahangir, showcasing his talent and skill in creating intricate and detailed miniature paintings that left a lasting legacy in the world of art.

Daswanth was an esteemed Indian painter who served as a court painter under the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Recognized as one of the key court painters alongside Basawan, Daswanth made significant contributions to the illustration of the Razm-nāmeh, a Persian rendition of the Hindu epic the Mahabharata. His professional life was marked by his pivotal role in creating intricate and culturally significant artworks that reflected the rich cultural exchange between Persian and Indian traditions during the Mughal era.

Govardhan was a renowned Indian painter known for his affiliation with the prestigious Mughal School of painting. Serving as a court painter under esteemed Mughal Emperors such as Akbar and Shah Jahan, he left a lasting legacy in the art world. Notably, he played a significant role as an illustrator for Babur's memoir, Baburnama. His masterpieces are now housed in various museums globally, showcasing his talent and contribution to the rich artistic heritage of India.

Daulat was a distinguished Mughal painter known for his exceptional talent during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Specializing in portrait art, he skillfully illustrated significant texts like the Akbar-nāmeh and Bābur-nāmeh. Additionally, his expertise extended to gold illumination and creating miniatures. His professional life was marked by artistic excellence and a notable legacy within the Mughal court. Daulat's contributions to the art world, alongside his family's involvement in painting, solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in Mughal art history.

Bichitr, a prominent Mughal-era painter, gained favor with emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, possibly continuing his work into Aurangzeb's reign. Known for incorporating romantic themes, Indian landscapes, and European-inspired cherubs into his paintings, Bichitr displayed versatility and cultural fusion in his art. His self-portrait in Hindu attire exemplifies his diverse influences and artistic expression. Through his work, Bichitr left a lasting legacy as a skilled and innovative painter who bridged different artistic traditions during the Mughal era.

Bishandas, a renowned Mughal-era painter, gained prominence during Emperor Jahangir's reign. Little is known about his personal background, except that he was likely of Hindu descent. His exceptional talent earned him a special assignment in Persia, where his portraits of the Shah were highly prized. In recognition of his outstanding work, he received an elephant as a gift, showcasing the high regard in which he was held as an artist. Bishandas's professional life was marked by his exceptional artistic skills and successful collaborations with royalty.