K. G. Subramanyan painted Fairy Tales from Purvapalli in 1986. What does “Purvapalli” in the title of this painting refer to?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A locality in Shantiniketan, where the artist had his home
Option (1) A locality in Colonial Calcutta, known for Kalighat painting — Incorrect. Kalighat painting was popular in Colonial Calcutta. The male and female figures at the top recall it, but the title does not refer to Calcutta.
Option (2) A locality in Shantiniketan, where the artist had his home — Correct. The title refers to his home in Purvapalli, a locality in Shantiniketan. From there his imagination seems to travel all around the world.
Option (3) A locality in Baroda, near M. S. University — Incorrect. Subramanyan taught at M. S. University, Baroda, where Laxma Goud was his student. Purvapalli is not in Baroda.
Option (4) A place near Madras, linked with the Cholamandalam School — Incorrect. Group 1890 left an impact on artists associated with the Cholamandalam School near Madras. It has nothing to do with this painting’s title.
NCERT (2026-27): “Fairy Tales from Purvapalli This is a painting using water and oil colours on acrylic sheet and was created by K. G. Subramanyan in 1986. This is the work of the prolific writer, scholar, teacher and art historian, who draws inspiration from his familiarity with different art traditions from India and the world. The title refers to his home in Purvapalli, a locality in Shantiniketan, from where his imagination seems to be travelling all around the world. …The male and female figures on top reminds us of urban folk art like the Kalighat painting that was popular in Colonial Calcutta in the late nineteenth century.” |