Special Guest Lecture on ‘Evolution of Art and Architecture in Bengal – from the Sindhu-Sarasvati Period to the Modern Day.’

About the Speaker

Halley Goswami, trained as an advocate, has devoted himself to classical painting, working to revive many lost artistic traditions of Bengal and other regions. Deeply inspired by India’s purāṇas, classical literature, history, and folklore, his artwork reflects the essence of Indianculture. In addition to being a painter, he is a scholar of Indian history and culture and a motivational speaker who regularly conducts classes on the philosophy of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. His areas of expertise also include the history and development of Bengal’s art, the Gauḍīya-vaiṣṇava tradition, ritual practices, and Bengal’s role in resisting foreign invasions.

Abstract

Bengal boasts a rich legacy of architecture, sculpture, and painting that dates back to the Sindhu–Sarasvati civilisation. Classical Bengali art reached its zenith under the Pala-Sena rulers; however, much of it has been lost over time due to repeated invasions and social upheavals. The surviving examples, though few, testify to the refined artistry and sophisticated iconography of that era. In subsequent centuries, Bengal witnessed the flourishing of terracotta temples and the tradition of Patachitra, both of which became important vehicles of artistic expression. The 19th and 20th centuries marked another significant phase with the emergence of the Bengal School, led by pioneers such as Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose. Drawing inspiration from the Ajanta murals and various Indian and international styles, the movement revitalized artistic practice. Its distinctive wash technique, expressive line work, nuanced use of colour, and mastery of light and shadow infused new vitality into classical forms. The proposed talk explores the evolution of Bengal’s art from its earliest known manifestations to the present day, while also examining the revival and reinterpretation of classical idioms in modern times.