S.l. Haldankar
S.L. Haldankar (Sawalaram Laxman Haldankar) born on November 25, 1882, in Sawantwadi, Maharashtra, was a pioneering Indian painter celebrated for his delicate handling of transparent watercolours and his role in the evolution of outdoor painting in India. Recognized for his artistic talent early on, Haldankar received a scholarship to study at Sir J. J. School of Art, where he trained under renowned artists Cecil Burns and M. V. Dhurandhar, earning his diploma in painting in 1903.
In 1908, Haldankar established Haldankar’s Fine Art Institute in Bombay, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant art scene. A prominent member of various art committees, he co-founded the Art Society of India in 1918, serving as its president for several years. His involvement extended to the Maharashtra Chitrakar Mandal and the Hansa Mehta Committee for Reorganisation of Art Education.
Haldankar’s oeuvre included both oil and watercolor paintings, with a particular emphasis on portraiture. He was commissioned to paint notable figures of his time, including Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, Jagannath Sunkersett, Sir John Beaumont, Lady and Sir Leslie Wilson, and the Raja Saheb of Sawantwadi. Alongside contemporaries M. K. Parandekar, M. V. Dhurandhar, and M. R. Acharekar, he was among the first Indian artists to paint landscapes and archaeological monuments en plein air, a trend that became popular in the early 20th century.
DISTINCTIVE STYLE
Haldankar’s style reflected academic realism, with a nuanced approach to light, texture, and atmosphere, especially in his watercolor paintings. He was among the first Indian artists, alongside M. K. Parandekar, M. V. Dhurandhar, and M. R. Acharekar, to paint landscapes and historical monuments en plein air (outdoors), a practice that gained popularity in early 20th-century India. Haldankar’s artworks are known for their strange yet compelling faces and shapes, often blending geometric forms with natural elements.
Haldankar did not title or date his paintings, believing that art should speak for itself. His portraits, especially, had an intense emotional quality that was both thought-provoking and unsettling. Many of his figures combined human and animal features, creating a mix between the real and the imagined. This rawness and spontaneity in his work contrasted with the carefully crafted nature of his writings, revealing a different side of his artistic expression.
Exhibitions
Haldankar’s works were showcased at prestigious exhibitions in Madras, Bombay, Simla, and internationally at the Royal British Society of Arts in London in 1915. Haldankar’s paintings not only gained critical acclaim but also played a key role in shaping modern Indian art, bridging traditional themes with modern techniques. He was awarded two commendation certificates by the Royal Society of British Artists and the Governor’s Prize by the British Government of Bombay Presidency in 1910, 1927, and 1932. He also received the Lalit Kala Academy Fellowship award, conferred by the then President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Haldankar’s contributions to Indian art were recognized internationally, with an Italian encyclopedia ranking him as one of the three finest watercolorists in the world. His works are currently displayed in several prominent museums, including the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai, the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, and the Jaganmohan Palace Museum in Mysore.
his legacy
Sawalaram Laxman Haldankar’s contributions to Indian art left an indelible mark on the evolution of painting in the country. Through his delicate and precise technique, he inspired a generation of artists and established a standard of excellence in both portraiture and landscape art. His work continues to be celebrated as a cornerstone of Indian modernist art.
Haldankar passed away in 1968, but his legacy endures through the continued appreciation of his art and the influence he has had on subsequent generations of artists. His commitment to fostering a distinct Indian artistic identity and his role in the Bengal Renaissance have solidified his place as a pivotal figure in the history of Indian art.
Sawalaram Laxman Haldankar’s life and work exemplify the rich interplay between tradition and modernity in Indian art. His visionary approach and dedication to cultural revival have made him a lasting symbol of artistic innovation and national pride in India. His art continues to inspire artists and art lovers, showcasing the profound impact of his contributions to the world of visual arts.
