What can be described as the primary catalyst for the development of modern art in India?

The conflict between colonialism and nationalism

Answer:  Conflict between colonialism and nationalism
The modern art in India can be best understood as a result of the conflict between colonialism and nationalism.

Modern art in India can be best understood as a result of the conflict between colonialism and nationalism. Colonialism introduced new institutions of art like art schools, exhibition galleries, art magazines and art societies. Nationalist artists, while accepting these changes, continued to assert more Indian taste in art and even accepted a larger Asian identity for a while. This legacy was going to leave a deep impact on the later history of modern Indian art. Therefore, it will keep moving from internationalism, i.e., draw ideas from the West, and indigenous, i.e., to be true to one’s legacy and tradition.