From Mythology to Modernism: 10 Indian Painters Who Made History

India has a rich artistic legacy, spanning centuries of tradition, culture, and innovation. From classical realism to modern abstraction, famous Indian artists' paintings have influenced generations, shaping the global perception of art. This blog explores India’s top 10 painters, whose artistic mastery has left an indelible mark on history.

1. Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) – The Pioneer of Modern Indian Art

🎨 Style: Realism, European Academic Style 

🏆 Known For: Mythological and portrait paintings

Raja Ravi Varma is celebrated as one of the most famous Indian painters, blending European realism with Indian themes. His famous Indian artists' paintings brought Hindu epics to life with unmatched finesse, making them accessible to the masses.

USP:

• The first artist to fuse Indian themes with European techniques, bringing Hindu deities to life in a realistic manner.

• Pioneered mass production of prints, making art accessible to the public.

Famous Works:

• Shakuntala – A deeply evocative painting capturing Shakuntala pretending to remove a thorn while looking for her lover, Dushyanta.

• Hamsa Damayanti – Depicts the ethereal beauty of Damayanti listening to a swan narrate tales of King Nala.

• Jatayu Vadham – A dramatic rendering of Ravana abducting Sita while Jatayu, the noble vulture, tries to protect her.

Interesting Fact:

• Ravi Varma was commissioned by the Maharaja of Travancore and became India’s first celebrity painter.

2. Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951) – The Founder of the Bengal School

🎨 Style: Indigenous, Wash Painting, Miniature Art 

🏆 Known For: Reviving India’s artistic traditions

Abanindranath Tagore was a top Indian artist who founded the Bengal School of Art to counter Western influences. His work was inspired by Mughal miniatures, Japanese wash techniques, and Indian mythology.

USP:

• Reclaimed Indian identity in art, rejecting Western academic realism.

• His works were spiritually charged and poetic, inspired by Mughal miniatures and Japanese wash techniques.

Famous Works:

• Bharat Mata – A personification of India as a motherly figure, symbolizing freedom.

• The Passing of Shah Jahan – A poignant portrayal of a dying emperor gazing at the Taj Mahal.

• Krishna Lila – Delicate miniature-styled depictions of Krishna’s childhood.

Interesting Fact:

• Abanindranath Tagore was the nephew of Rabindranath Tagore, and together they played key roles in the Bengal Renaissance.

3. Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941) – The Frida Kahlo of India

🎨 Style: Modernism, Post-Impressionism 

🏆 Known For: Portrayals of rural India and women’s lives

Amrita Sher-Gil is one of India's top 10 painters, blending European and Indian influences in her work. As a contemporary painter of her time, she portrayed rural life with poetic sensitivity, challenging artistic norms.

USP:

• Bridged the gap between European modernism and Indian themes.

• Her works captured women's emotions and daily life with depth and honesty.

Famous Works:

• Three Girls – A deeply melancholic painting of three village women lost in thought.

• The Bride’s Toilet – Showcases the quiet moments of a bride before marriage.

• Self-Portrait – Bold, confident, and expressive.

Interesting Fact:

• She was the first woman to achieve international recognition in Indian art but tragically died at just 28.

4. Nandalal Bose (1882–1966) – The Artist Behind India’s Constitution

🎨 Style: Revivalist, Folk and Miniature Art 

🏆 Known For: Nationalist themes, Bengal School

Nandalal Bose was a famous Indian painter whose work celebrated India’s independence movement. His artistic genius extended to illustrating the original manuscript of India’s Constitution.

USP:

• His paintings embodied Gandhian ideals and the essence of India’s heritage.

• Pioneered environmental themes in art, celebrating nature and rural life.

Famous Works:

• Dandi March – A stirring tribute to Gandhi’s salt march.

• Arjuna’s Penance – Inspired by the famous stone relief at Mamallapuram.

• Shiva Drinking Poison – A striking depiction of a mythological moment.

Interesting Fact:

• He was personally chosen by Jawaharlal Nehru to illustrate the Constitution of India.

5. Jamini Roy (1887–1972) – The Master of Folk Art

🎨 Style: Bengali Folk, Kalighat Pat Art 

🏆 Known For: Simplistic yet striking depictions of rural life

Jamini Roy revolutionized famous Indian artists' paintings by embracing folk traditions over Western styles. His paintings, with bold lines and tribal motifs, became a defining feature of modernism.

USP:

• Rejected Western influences, embracing traditional folk styles.

• Used natural pigments and homemade materials in his art.

Famous Works:

• Mother and Child – A heartwarming representation of motherhood.

• Krishna and Radha – Stylized depictions of divine love.

• Santhal Dancers – Vivid, rhythmic portrayals of tribal life.

Interesting Fact:

• He sold paintings at affordable prices, making art accessible to the common man.

6. S.H. Raza (1922–2016) – The Bindu Master

🎨 Style: Abstract, Expressionism, Geometric Art 

🏆 Known For: The iconic Bindu series

S.H. Raza’s abstract paintings combined spiritualism with modern artistic techniques. His famous Indian artists' paintings, especially his signature “Bindu,” are globally recognized.

USP:

• His art was a fusion of Indian spirituality and Western abstraction.

• The Bindu (dot) symbol became a defining element in his works, representing the cosmic source of creation.

Famous Works:

• Bindu – A meditative composition centered around a single dot, symbolizing the cosmic energy and spiritual awakening that underpins the universe.

• Saurashtra – A vibrant explosion of color and form, representing the rhythmic chaos of nature and one of India's most expensive modern paintings.

• La Terre – A deep and layered abstraction, merging elements of the earth with geometric spirituality, reflecting Raza’s philosophical connection to nature and existence.

Interesting Fact:

• Raza was one of the first artists from India to gain international fame, living and working in France for decades.

7. M.F. Husain (1915–2011) – The Picasso of India

🎨 Style: Contemporary, Cubism, Expressionism 

🏆 Known For: Bold colors, horses, and controversial themes

M.F. Husain, one of the most famous Indian painters, was a contemporary painter who captured India’s cultural and political essence through vibrant, modernist compositions.

USP:

• One of the most controversial and celebrated painters.

• Known for his bold colors, fluid lines, and dynamic compositions.

Famous Works:

• Horses Series – A dynamic and energetic portrayal of galloping horses, symbolizing power, speed, and freedom, often considered Husain’s signature theme.

• Mother Teresa – A deeply emotional piece capturing the essence of compassion and sacrifice through abstract, faceless depictions of the humanitarian icon.

• Bharat Mata – A controversial yet striking representation of India as a motherly figure, blending nationalism with modern artistic expression.

Interesting Fact:

• He often walked barefoot and painted at lightning speed.

8. Ganesh Pyne (1937–2013) – The Poet of Darkness

🎨 Style: Bengal School, Surrealism, Mythological Art 

🏆 Known For: Dark, brooding compositions

Another famous Indian artist’s paintings that are universally revered is Ganesh Pyne. His works are known for their haunting surrealism, reflecting themes of mythology, existentialism, and personal narratives, making him a leading figure in contemporary art.

USP:

• His art combined melancholy, fantasy, and deep symbolism.

• Inspired by Bengali folklore, death, and existentialism.

Famous Works:

• Before the Chariot – A haunting depiction of fate and impending doom, symbolizing the transient nature of life and human struggles.

• The Assassin – A dark and introspective piece capturing the tension between morality and violence, showcasing Pyne’s signature surrealism.

• Mahabharata Series – A deeply symbolic interpretation of the great epic, blending mythology with existential themes.

Interesting Fact:

• He worked mostly in solitude, avoiding fame.

9. F.N. Souza (1924–2002) – The Rebel Artist

🎨 Style: Expressionism, Figurative Art 

🏆 Known For: Bold and distorted depictions of the human form

F.N. Souza was a top Indian artist and a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group. His works, often raw and rebellious, explored themes of desire, power, and human form.

USP:

• His art explored desire, power, and social critique.

Famous Works:

• Birth – A raw and intense depiction of the human condition, blending elements of sexuality, religion, and violence, making it one of Souza’s most expensive works.

• Nude with Cross – A provocative critique of religious hypocrisy, portraying a distorted, faceless nude figure alongside Christian iconography.

• Man and Woman Laughing – A grotesque and exaggerated portrayal of human expressions, symbolizing Souza’s cynicism toward societal norms and relationships.

Interesting Fact:

• Co-founder of the Progressive Artists' Group.

10. Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) – The Visionary Painter

🎨 Style: Abstract, Expressionism, Symbolism 

🏆 Known For: Dreamlike and surreal imagery

Though best known as a Nobel laureate and poet, Rabindranath Tagore was also a remarkable painter. His famous paintings feature hauntingly surreal faces and abstract forms, reflecting his philosophical depth.

🔹 Famous Works: Face in a Landscape, Dancing Woman, Head Study

USP:

• Started painting in his 60s, proving creativity has no age limit.

• His paintings were instinctive and spontaneous, unlike traditional academic styles.

• Often depicted hauntingly surreal faces and abstract figures, reflecting his poetic and philosophical worldview.

Interesting Fact:

• His art was exhibited internationally, including in Paris, London, and Moscow.

Famous Works:

• Face in a Landscape – A haunting and mysterious composition, featuring distorted figures and dreamlike elements, reflecting Tagore’s deep introspection and poetic sensibilities.

• Dancing Woman – A fluid, free-spirited depiction of movement and rhythm, capturing the essence of grace and spontaneity through abstract brushstrokes.

Final Thoughts

These 10 famous Indian painters have shaped the course of global art, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy. Whether through mythology, folk traditions, abstract forms, or contemporary expressions, their artworks continue to inspire artists worldwide.

At TERAVARNA India, we celebrate both historical legends and contemporary artists by providing a platform for emerging talent. If you’re an artist looking to showcase your work, participate in our online art competitions and exhibitions!

🔹 Explore our latest art competitions here