It’s a profound moment when you stand beside an elegant masterpiece of a historically famous public sculpture. This is the “Santhal Family” by the master artist Ramkinkar Baij (25 May 1906 – 2 August 1980). I find myself before this sculpture after thirty years within Kala Bhavan, Shantiniketan premises.
The first time I encountered it, I had no knowledge about Ramkinkar or a clear understanding of what constitutes a public sculpture or the materials involved in art production. During my last visit, the sculpture stood in the open air. However, this time, I noticed a roof over it and an iron grill fence surrounding it.
During my initial visit, our class teacher, guiding us on a study tour, may not have fully grasped the significance and potential of Ramkinkar Baij’s work. Consequently, we, as students, had to interpret it in our own way, and unfortunately, we couldn’t establish a connection with Ramkinkar’s “Santhal Family” sculpture. I remember some of my classmates making lighthearted comments on this masterpiece out of their ignorance and lack of understanding.
In 1938, the renowned artist Ramkinkar Baij created the “Santhal Family,” recognized as India’s inaugural modern public sculpture. This exceptional artwork portrays a Santhal tribe family – a father, mother, child, and dog – journeying towards a new life, carrying their possessions. It serves as a poignant symbol of family and hope, showcasing the artist’s creativity and capturing a universal tale of embarking on a fresh start.
From one perspective, it appears as a joyous moment, suggesting a hopeful new beginning. However, viewed from another angle, the family might be compelled to migrate due to certain circumstances, adding a layer of sorrow to the narrative.
Ramkinkar Baij, a revolutionary in his era, gained acclaim for his bold experimentation with materials and his ability to seamlessly draw inspiration from multiple artistic traditions simultaneously. The Santhal Family sculpture is an unrefined outdoor artwork crafted from a combination of cement and laterite gravel.
The Santhal Family sculpture portrays a migration journey from one place to another, carrying their entire household in just two baskets. Post-independence, the tribal people of India have been consistently on the move, either voluntarily or often due to corporate and government-driven initiatives for so-called economic development. When standing beside the monumental sculpture, I can’t help but see it as a representation of an ongoing migration narrative, echoing the continuous movement of people that persists to this day.
Was Ramkinkar Baij making intentional statements through this piece of art, or was it a reflection of his observations of his surroundings?
