A Contribution by Joy J. Kaimaparamban, author of The Ayurvedic Healer. For more information see also his website at http://www.kaimaparamban.com/.
Abanindranath Tagore
The reformer of Indian Art, Abanindranath Tagore was born in 1871, August in Bengal who had tried to free Indian Art from the influence of Western style. He worked for the existence of the Ancient Spirit of Indian Art by giving it a modern face.
With the discovery of the drawings in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, the modern art world could identify the greatness of Indian Art.
Abanindranath was the member of Jorasanko family of Bengal.
In the second half of 19th century, the government had established schools in the main cities for teaching drawing and sculpturing. In fact, the method was the imitation of western art forms. Indian Arts got nothing from the schools. For the progress of Indian Art Abanindranath came forwrad. His father Gunendranath and his grandfather Gireendranath were artists.
From the early childhood Abanindranath used to observe the still objects and moving beings. He showed less interest in playing with his friends.
When he reached the age of 5, he was joined in the Normal School, which situated beside his house. While sitting in class, he could not study his lessons. His interest was in drawing figures.
After stopping the study of the Normal School, he spent his days sitting in the Art room of his father. For teaching him Bengali and English, teachers came in the Art room. At the same period he began to practice drawing. He colored his pictures in water color. He liked very much the morning scenes of the nature, which he drew in papers.
After the death of his father the family shifted their residence to a place of Calcutta, he joined to a Sanskrit College, from where he acquired good knowledge in Bengali and Sanskrit. While studying he wrote some poems in Sanskrit, which were collected in book form.
Then his study was in the Saint Xavier’s College but it was stopped without any delay. Due to the inspiration of Rabindranath Tagore, Abanindranath practiced music. For a period of 20 years Abanindranath resided with Rabindranath. Then Rab8indranaath shifted to Santhi Nikethan.
In the age of 19, he married Suhasisn who belonged to Tagore family.
Signar Gilhard was a famous Italian artist who gave Abanindranath training in drawing pictures in water color. Abanindranath drew a lot of portraits and landscapes. From the Art School of Charles Palmer, British artist, he practiced oil color painting. His pictures were published in magazines and he became famous as a painter.
He used to draw pictures for books. He first drew pictures for ’Chithrangada’ the music play of Rabindranath Tagore. As such books were sold a lot Abanindranath got more chances to draw for books.
Western styles of drawing became bore to him. He wanted to adopt the ancient style of India. He traveled criss-crossing several villages, which helped him to become an Indian Artist. He painted many pictures basing the Hindu Mythology. They were published in famous publications, which made him a celebrated Artist of the world. He had never left the attractive expressions of the western style.
Havel was a votary of Indian art and a fried of Abanindranath Tagore.
Abanindranath was appointed as the first Indian Vice Principal of Calcutta Art School. While working there he could make dexterity with Japanese Art Style.
He worked not only for the progress of Indian Art, but also for spreading national feeling among the common people. And he had written books for children.
In 1951 December 5, he left the world.
The Ayurvedic Healer
by Joy J. Kaimaparamban
Set in the intriguing atmosphere of India in the early 20th century, full of mysticism, love, compassion, and political drama, The Ayurvedic Healer tells the story of Madhavan Namboodiri, a physician practicing an ancient medical science, and his enduring love for Rosilie. By healing the underprivileged, regardless of their civilian and religious status, touching the untouchables, he follows his beliefs and disobeys the rules of his society. His life story is set in the background of India’s struggle for freedom, the communist revolt in the Southern State of Kerala, social advancement, and the emergence of new societies. The Ayurvedic Healer sweeps the reader into an exotic place and time, rendering an intimate experience through sharing Madhavan Namboodiri’s life and love.
Joy J. Kaimaparamban is not only a passionate story teller. He envisions people and events, past or present, in his native India as material for unwritten works. These visions and the ability to transform them into fascinating stories about his country is a trademark of his novels. [More information...]
The Ayurvedic Healer ia available through Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, and any other good bookstore.
