Ramkinker Baij “ may be considered the most important original sculptor working in India in the period of transition from traditional to modern art.” [1]
The same book lists quite a few works. Yet there is no mention of “Binodini”, a student at Kala Bhavan who was the youngest daughter of Maharaja Sir Churachand Singh and Maharani Dhanamanjuri Devi of Manipur. Apparently, a favourite student of Ramkinker. Are we stumbling into some personal space here?
Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi, a Padmashree Awardee, was a personality in her own right. She was an artist, an author, and took Manipuri culture to the world. She was the first woman to graduate from her state. [2] A lot is currently being written about her.
Binodini Devi, Image Credit: Open Magazine
Google Arts and Culture has documented at least one such portrait of Binodini. There are others.
Binodini by Ramkinker Baij
Collection NGMA
The narrative is particularly interesting - the portrait above interestingly captures the “predicament within Binodini”!
Bronze by Ramkinker Baij
‘Binodini’ - the ‘Renaissance Lady of Manipur’. Likely, the finest Baij bronze in private hands.
Disambiguation: "Noti Binodini" was a famous theatre personality in the late 19th century
References:
1 - Ramkinker, Published by BC Sanyal, Secretary, Lalit Kala Academy,
2 - The Princess of Arts, Janice Pariat, Open Magazine
3 - IMASI - The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation
