KUMARIL SWAMY (B. 1924)

From the collection of an Allahabad based family, that acquired it from Shantineketan

A distinguished artist of the genre of Bengal School, Kumaril Swamy, was a student at Kalabhavan, Santiniketan and later became the Principal at the Institution as well. Santiniketan in those days was a idyllic remote village predominantly populated by the Santhals. Their simple lifestyles, festivals and customs therefore became a source of inspiration and enjoyment for the artists. The drumbeats of the madol and tightly closed up dancing of womenfolk humming the traditional Santhali tunes is a sight that few can resist not being inspired from. In this Painting Kumaril pays his personal tribute to such a Santhali beauty. Dark skinned, her hair neatly tied in a bun adorned with a single red hibiscus flower that bedecks her glowing unassuming face. She stands carelessly against the backdrop her humble hutment, draped in a traditional half sari and silver jewellery. Her posture reminds one of the Salabhanjika figures of Bharhut and Sanchi.