The Place of Art in Education – Summary, Q&A, and Analysis

The Place of Art in Education: Insights from Nandalal Bose

📘 About the Prose

“The Place of Art in Education” is a significant non-fictional extract taken from Dristi and Shristi (Vision and Creation) written by renowned Indian artist Nandalal Bose.

• The prose is written in the first-person point of view.

• It emphasizes the importance of incorporating art in education.

• Bose argues for the revival of aesthetic sensibilities in both academic and practical life, urging schools and universities to take action.

📚 Word Meanings

• Devised – invented

• Acquire – gain

• Aesthetic – related to appreciation of beauty

• Objective – goal or aim

• Provision – arranged rule or plan

📝 Short Answer Type Questions

1. Who and what is responsible for our lack of taste in art?Ans: The educated public and the universities of our country are responsible for our lack of taste in art.2. Where do the roots of art education lie?Ans: In observing nature and studying art objects under expert guidance.3. Why can’t people differentiate between a painting and a photograph?Ans: Because they lack a proper understanding of art.4. What separates us from our past heritage?Ans: The absence of art education.5. Where does the vitality of a work of art lie?Ans: In its sense of beauty and order, not its monetary value.

✍️ Long Answer Type Questions

1. What is the difference between fine art and functional art?

Ans: There are two key aspects of art: Fine art and Functional art. Fine art transports the human mind beyond the constraints of daily sorrows and conflicts into a world of aesthetic joy and emotional expression, whereas functional art reveals beauty in practical objects and contributes to economic livelihood.

Fine art is linked to the development of knowledge, culture, and aesthetic appreciation, while functional art emphasizes practical utility and economic value. Thus, fine art is a non-utilitarian visual art form that is admired purely for its beauty, while functional art combines artistic creativity with usability, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits to society.

2. What remedial measures are suggested by Nandalal Bose for the development of aesthetic sensibilities among the students?

Ans: Nandalal Bose, a visionary in modern Indian art education, outlines several effective steps to promote aesthetic sensibility among students. He recommends that beautiful art specimens be displayed in classrooms, libraries, and homes to attract student interest. Secondly, well-illustrated art books, authored by qualified experts, should be made accessible to students. Thirdly, students should watch educational art films featuring artworks from India and abroad.

Fourth, guided educational tours to museums and art galleries with trained teachers are essential for developing critical aesthetic judgment. Fifth, celebrating seasonal festivals fosters a deeper connection with nature’s beauty, enriching artistic insight. Sixth, students should explore seasonal changes in nature as a source of artistic inspiration. Lastly, schools should encourage each student to create and present original artworks, nurturing individual creativity and artistic expression.

3. Why does the author Nandalal Bose think that the vitality of a work of art lies in its sense of beauty and order and not in its monetary value?

Ans: According to Nandalal Bose, a legendary figure in Indian traditional and modern art, the true value of a work of art is rooted in its aesthetic appeal and inherent order, not in its financial worth. He draws a contrast between a poor Santhal, who keeps his humble hut clean and orderly, and a wealthy student living in luxury but surrounded by disorder. This highlights that aesthetic sense is not tied to wealth but to cultural values and personal discipline.

Bose critiques the superficial aesthetic sense of educated people who display framed pin-ups beside classic paintings and combine mismatched fashion styles, exposing a false sense of artistic appreciation. In contrast, the organic aesthetic sensibility of the Santhal reflects a more authentic and meaningful connection with art and life, emphasizing that artistic value surpasses monetary evaluation.

🧠Grammar – Do as Directed

Split into two simple sentences:“I see in the hostel rooms shirts hanging from picture frames.”

I see shirts in the hostel rooms. They are hanging from picture frames.

Convert into a complex sentence:“A poor Santhal sweeps and mops his hut.”

A poor Santhal mops his hut because he wants to keep it clean.

Rewrite as a negative sentence:“It will be wrong on our part to expect.”

It is not right on our part to expect.

Use the verb form of ‘beauty’ in the sentence:“With its touch of magic, functional art brings beauty to the objects of our daily use.”

Functional art beautifies the objects of our daily use.

Change into a negative sentence:“They forget the vitality of a work of art lies in its sense of beauty and order.”

They do not remember that the vitality of art lies in beauty and order.

Use the noun form of ‘estranged’ in the sentence:“It has estranged us from our past heritage.”

It has led to our estrangement from past heritage.

Change the voice:“Training in drawing will develop their power of observation.”

Their power of observation will be developed by training in drawing.

🎯 Exercise Based on “The Place of Art in Education” by Nandalal Bose

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions – Choose the Correct Answer

Films on art should be shown in connection with –
a) this country and abroadb) only this country
c) only abroadd) none of theseIf students develop a love for Nature, their aesthetic sensibility will –
a) dry upb) never dry up
c) not developd) none of theseA student who lacks a sense of beauty is likely to place paper flowers in –
a) earthen potsb) tea cups
c) flower vasesd) used cocoa tinsFine art liberates our minds from –
a) joy and griefb) professionalism
c) materialismd) sorrows and conflictsThe two essential branches of art are –
a) painting and sculptureb) fine arts and functional arts
c) sculpture and fine artsd) painting and functional arts

Section B: Answer in Complete Sentences:

1. In what ways do educated people express their appreciation for art?

2. How should the time for hosting an ‘Art Festival’ in schools be determined?

3. In what way does the absence of beauty negatively impact an individual?

4. According to Nandalal Bose, where does true art education begin?

5. Who should guide students during their visits to museums and art galleries?

Section C: Short Answer Questions (Within 100 Words)

1. What practical steps does Nandalal Bose propose to introduce and implement art education in India?

2. What does Nandalal Bose emphasize about the relationship between art students and Nature?

3. “Will art give us a livelihood?” – How does Nandalal Bose address this common question?

4. How does the lack of a sense of beauty impact society, according to Nandalal Bose?