Painting: Towards the end of the 19th century, Indian painting witnessed a reorientation as artists reacted against academic styles and sought a national identity. Raja Ravi Varma combined European techniques with Indian mythological themes. Abanindranath Tagore led the Bengal School, reviving indigenous traditions like miniatures and frescoes. Gradually, revivalism gave way to modernism, emphasising ‘painterly’ qualities, colour, form, and expression. Artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Jamini Roy explored modern life, social themes, and folk traditions, creating a diverse and dynamic modern Indian art scene.

Music and Performing Arts: Reorientation in music and the performing arts in modern Indian history reflects a dynamic shift from sacred and elite traditions to more democratic and public expressions. Although often projected as timeless, classical music and dance underwent major transformation in the late colonial and early post-Independence period. Earlier confined to temples, courts, and small audiences, these arts moved to proscenium stages and modern auditoria, adapting to new technologies of lighting, acoustics, and performance. The 1930s marked a crucial decade of reinvention, when nationalism encouraged revival, restructuring, and repackaging of traditions to create a shared cultural identity. Institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi further strengthened this process after Independence. New performers from educated middle and upper classes replaced hereditary artists, altering aesthetics and social meanings. Thus, modern Indian performing arts represent not unbroken continuity, but a conscious reworking of the past to suit modern life and audiences.