One of India’s most beloved artists, Jamini Roy is celebrated for pioneering a distinct Indian aesthetic in modern art by blending elements of traditional Bengali folk art and Kalighat Patachitras, characterized by clean lines and earthy colors.

Born on April 11, 1887, into a landowning family in Bankura district, Bengal, Roy received his training in European academic-realist painting at the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Calcutta. He initially painted landscapes and portraits but soon transitioned to experimenting with a more indigenous visual language.

Roy’s work began to incorporate level surfaces, flattened designs, and the use of vibrant primary colors, drawing from folk painting traditions. He also adopted the volumetric forms of Kalighat Patachitras, though his lines were more restrained and precisely delineated compared to the spontaneous brushwork of traditional Patuas. His contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Viceroy’s Gold Medal in 1935, the Padma Bhushan in 1955, and his election as a fellow of the Lalit Kala Akademi in 1956. In 1976, he was declared a National Treasure artist, making his works ineligible for export. Jamini Roy passed away on April 24, 1972, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Indian art.