Ajanta’s Legacy in Santiniketan: Tracing Artistic Connections
Author(s): Dr. Sudipta Das (Post-Doc.)
Authors Affiliations:
Visva-Bharati
DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202506023 | Paper ID: IJRCS202506023The Ajanta Paintings, celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship, vivid color schemes, and profound depiction of Buddhist narratives, represent a cornerstone of India’s classical art heritage. This paper explores the significant influence of Ajanta’s artistic legacy on the art and culture of Santiniketan, a modern cultural and educational hub established by Rabindranath Tagore. Santiniketan, renowned for fostering innovation while rooted in tradition, became a crucible for integrating classical Indian art into contemporary practices during the Bengal Renaissance.
The paper adopts a qualitative methodology, combining an analysis of Santiniketan artworks, archival records, and critical reviews to identify key elements of Ajanta’s influence. These include the adoption of techniques such as fresco painting, a vibrant yet earthy color palette, and themes of spirituality, nature, and humanity. Prominent Santiniketan artists like Nandalal Bose and BenodeBehari Mukherjee drew inspiration from Ajanta’s visual language, integrating it into their own works to forge a unique fusion of tradition and innovation.
This paper contributes to the broader understanding of cultural confluences in Indian art, highlighting how the legacy of Ajanta continues to inspire and shape the artistic expressions of modern India. It underscores the enduring significance of preserving classical art forms and their relevance in contemporary artistic and educational practices.
Dr. Sudipta Das(2025): Ajanta’s Legacy in Santiniketan: Tracing Artistic Connections, International Journal of Research Culture Society, ISSN(O): 2456-6683, Volume – 9, Issue – 6, Pp. 185-189. Available on – https://ijrcs.org/
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