Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951) was a visionary artist and writer who reshaped the landscape of modern Indian painting. He established the influential Bengal School of Art, introducing Swadeshi ideals to visual culture and challenging the dominance of Western academic realism taught under British rule.

Rooted in a deep appreciation for national heritage, Tagore drew stylistic elements from Mughal and Rajput miniatures as well as the Ajanta murals. His exchanges with Japanese artists like Okakura Kakuzō inspired him to blend Chinese and Japanese calligraphic techniques with his signature watercolor wash style, fostering a pan-Asian aesthetic philosophy. His acclaimed masterpieces include iconic works such as Bharat Mata and the 1930 Arabian Nights series.