(1906 - 1980)
Ramkinkar Baij was born in Bankura district, West Bengal. He received his Diploma from Kala Bhawan, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan in 1925. Trained by two European sculptors, one of whom was a disciple of Bourdelle, who were on a visit to Santiniketan on an invitation by Tagore, his style was still uniquely his own. Groomed by his mentors, Nandalal Bose and Tagore, the clay modeler turned artist. Working at a time when traditional art was transitioning to modern art, Baij's work proved to be crucial to Indian art history. Nature and Baij's own folk background turned out to be the crucial influences in the formation of his own style. Later, he headed the Department of Sculpture at the Kala Bhavan. His works have been included in several exhibitions such as the Asian Art Exhibition, Tokyo, in 1979; 'Man and Nature: Reflections of Six Artists', Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, in 1995; a retrospective of his work was held at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi in 1990. Some of his sculptures are preserved and displayed at locations including Kala Bhawan, Santiniketan, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, NGMA, New Delhi, Reserve Bank of India, New Delhi.
Baij died on August 2, 1980, in Kolkata.