Nivedita Lokmata 4 by Shankari Prasad Basu [Hardcover]

Shankari Prasad Basu's Nivedita Lokamata is a rare confluence of the scholar's accuracy, the historian's truthful vision, and the literary figure's wisdom. This monumental work, the culmination of tireless dedication, provides a complete account of Sister Nivedita, not just an incomplete glimpse. The fourth volume of this remarkable book has now been released. In this volume, there is a vivid, comprehensive, and self-sufficient discussion of Nivedita and the contemporary Indian art movement. Through this, on one hand, an immense body of work by Nivedita, which had been virtually unexplored, is uncovered. On the other hand, it delves into the early history of the modern Indian art movement, such as the 'New Bengal School' and the 'Bengal School,' showing Nivedita's close and extensive involvement with its development and progress. This discussion is an important historical account of the early stages of the movement, revealing its context not only through facts and theories but from a different, logical perspective as well. This history of the artistic renaissance places the reader in the midst of one of Bengal’s most glorious eras. It highlights how Nivedita, actively involved in the vast development of Indian life, viewed the role of art in the national awakening. It explains how her critiques of art often took the form of high-quality creative literature, illustrating her unique sensibility, her admiration for Western classical art, and her unwavering interest in the art of the future. Despite her praise for the Indian art movement, Nivedita repeatedly emphasized the necessity of making everyday life the subject of art and sculpture, challenging the theory of "the Greek influence on the origin of Indian art." This discourse not only includes references to contemporary Bengali and Indian artists and art critics but also discusses Western artists, sculptors, and art theorists. It brings to light the true context of many historical debates between the past and present. Additionally, this volume contains over 130 rare color and black-and-white images that bring this history to life visually.