‘This pioneering book is an authentic portrayal of the formative years of modern Indian art, when its parameters were being established. Between its hesitant beginnings in British-established art schools, and the inspired individualism of many present day artists, lies the story of the Progressive Artist Group. These young painters, who rebelled both against the Bengal school, as well as the "naturalism" introduced by the art schools, met frequently, holding night-long discussions, in their struggle to survive in the dramatic development of contemporary Indian art.’ (Excerpt from front flap)

Includes 180 colour plates and additional black-and-white photographs. Selected writings by art critic Rudolf von Leyden from 1940 to 1953 are also provided in the appendix, intended not only to throw light on the art activity of that period but also the parameters being formed for assessing it.