I. State of Colonial Art Education:

Under British rule, art education was based on academic realism — that is, the exact imitation of nature and the human figure.
This style was incompatible with Indian cultural consciousness and imagination.
 

II. Tagore’s Opposition and Perspective:

Tagore described the colonial art system as “soulless.”
He argued that art should be a medium of self-exploration and dialogue with society.
Instead of imitating Western styles, he emphasized Indian tradition, symbolism, and emotional depth.
 

III. Establishment and Impact of Kala Bhavan:

He established Kala Bhavan at Santiniketan, which became a platform for modern artists like Nandalal Bose and Benode Behari Mukherjee.
Students were encouraged to engage in experimentation, symbolism, and connect with nature.
 

IV. New Direction and Message of Freedom:

Tagore’s modern art movement symbolized cultural independence and the rejection of colonial mentality in art.
It laid the foundation for the Indian modern art movement.
 

V. Conclusion:

Tagore not only challenged the structure of colonial art education but also initiated an artistic tradition that nurtured both creative freedom and Indian cultural consciousness.