D.P. Roy chowdhury

Devi Prasad Roy Chowdhury was one of the pioneering figures of modern Indian art, celebrated for his achievements as both a painter and sculptor. Born in 1899 in Tajhat, in present-day Bangladesh, he received artistic training under some of the most influential teachers of his time, including Abanindranath Tagore. His education encompassed painting, life drawing, portraiture, and sculpture, and was further enriched by exposure to European artistic traditions.

Equally accomplished across mediums, Roy Chowdhury developed a distinctive practice that combined technical mastery with a keen observation of everyday life. His paintings reflected influences from Asian artistic traditions, while his sculptures demonstrated a remarkable ability to capture movement, character, and human emotion. Rather than relying solely on studio models, he often drew inspiration from people encountered in public spaces, lending his works a sense of vitality and realism.

A long association with the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Madras, where he later served as Principal, established him as an influential educator as well as an artist. His public sculptures, including Triumph of Labour in Chennai and the Dandi March monument in New Delhi, remain among the most recognised works of modern Indian sculpture. In recognition of his contributions to Indian art, he received numerous honours, including the Padma Bhushan in 1958. His works are held in important collections in India and abroad.