KSHITINDRANATH MAJUMDAR
Kshitindranath Majumdar (1891–1975) was a distinguished artist of the Bengal School, widely regarded as a “saint-artist” whose practice was rooted in spiritual contemplation and bhakti, viewing painting as a meditative path toward transcendence. Born on 31 July 1891 in Jagtai village, Murshidabad, and raised by his father after the early loss of his mother, his formative years were shaped by music, theatre, and storytelling through a local theatre group, where he also performed. Encouraged by a local zamindar, he moved to Kolkata in 1905 to study at the Government School of Art under Abanindranath Tagore, mastering the wash technique and revivalist ideals.
While deeply inspired by Indian mythology, Vaishnav philosophy, and devotional traditions, Majumdar gradually evolved a lyrical, introspective style marked by grace and quiet intensity. Alongside Nandalal Bose, he taught at the Indian Society of Oriental Art from 1912 to 1930, later teaching at Santiniketan, serving as Principal of the Society of Oriental Art, and heading the art department at Allahabad University from 1942 until his retirement in 1964, thereby shaping generations of artists while extending the spiritual and aesthetic legacy of the Bengal School through a deeply personal vision.
Style and Themes
Majumdar’s paintings are characterised by delicate lines, soft tonal washes, and a lyrical visual rhythm. While his technique reflects the romantic elegance of Abanindranath Tagore’s style, his compositions draw visual inspiration from the frescoes of Ajanta, Rajput miniature traditions, and elements of Far Eastern and Japanese art.
Thematically, his work centres on mythological narratives, Puranic tales, Vaishnav deities, and saints. These subjects are not treated as illustrations but as vehicles for spiritual expression, charged with devotion, introspection, and a search for the transcendental.
Recognition, Collections, and Exhibitions
Majumdar’s works were widely exhibited in India and abroad, including early shows at the Indian Society of Oriental Art and international exhibitions in Paris, Geneva, and other European centres. He also participated in travelling exhibitions across the United States and Europe, contributing to the global visibility of the Bengal School.
His paintings are housed in major public and private collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi; Indian Museum, Kolkata; Allahabad Museum; Banaras Hindu University; and Lalit Kala Akademi collections in New Delhi and Lucknow.
Enduring Legacy
Kshitindranath Majumdar’s art occupies a quiet yet powerful place in the history of modern Indian painting. At a time of rapid artistic and social change, he remained deeply committed to an inner vision shaped by devotion, tradition, and contemplation. His paintings invite the viewer into a reflective space—one where myth, faith, and emotion merge through gentle lines and subdued colour.
Honoured with an honorary D.Litt. by Rabindra Bharati University in 1963, Majumdar’s contribution was recognised not only for its artistic merit but for its spiritual depth. Even after his passing in 1975, his work continues to resonate for its lyrical grace and timeless quality, affirming his role as a key voice of the Bengal School and an artist who transformed painting into an act of devotion.
