Jamini Roy was a revolutionary figure in Modern Indian Art, renowned for his pivotal decision to reject the dominant Western academic style—in which he was expertly trained—in favor of India's indigenous folk traditions. His artistic transformation was a profound quest for cultural authenticity, ultimately drawing immense inspiration from the local Bengali folk artists, particularly the scroll painters (patuas) and the bold simplicity of Kalighat painting. Roy's signature style is defined by its eloquent minimalism: figures are rendered in bold, sweeping, calligraphic lines; forms are flattened; and three-dimensional perspective is eliminated, resulting in a monumental, iconic clarity. This move was not merely aesthetic but philosophical; he aimed to democratize art, making it accessible and meaningful to the common people of India. To this end, he replaced costly commercial oil paints with inexpensive, locally-sourced natural pigments—including ground rock, chalk, and tamarind seed glue—painting on humble supports like cloth, wood, and matting. His subjects span from the daily life of the Santhal tribe to mythological narratives like the Ramayana and Christian imagery, all transfigured by his distinctive, stylized aesthetic featuring his hallmark almond-shaped eyes. Through this "conscious and productive homegoing," Jamini Roy forged a modern idiom that restored the dignity of Indian folk art and established a lasting, indigenous foundation for modern art in India.