Who is the author of the book 'History of Indian Art' ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question "Who is the author of the book 'History of Indian Art'?" is Option 4: Ananda K. Coomaraswamy. Here is a detailed explanation supporting this answer:

1. **Ananda K. Coomaraswamy (Option 4)**: Ananda K. Coomaraswamy was a prominent art historian and philosopher who made significant contributions to the understanding of Indian art and culture. His works often explored the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Indian art, making him a key figure in this field. His deep insights and scholarly approach have been instrumental in shaping the study of Indian art history, which justifies why he is credited with the authorship of 'History of Indian Art'.

2. **Stella Kramrisch (Option 1)**: Stella Kramrisch was a renowned art historian known for her extensive work on Indian art and architecture. While she made significant contributions to the field, particularly with her books such as "The Hindu Temple" and "Indian Sculpture," she is not the author of 'History of Indian Art'. Her focus was more on specific aspects of Indian art rather than a comprehensive history.

3. **J. C. French (Option 2)**: J. C. French is not widely recognized in the context of Indian art history. There is limited information linking J. C. French to any major works on Indian art, making this option incorrect in the context of the given question.

4. **Archer (Option 3)**: W. G. Archer was a British art historian known for his work on Indian painting and tribal art. While he contributed to the understanding of Indian art, particularly with his studies on Pahari and Rajput paintings, he did not author a book titled 'History of Indian Art'. His work was more specialized rather than a broad historical overview.

In conclusion, Ananda K. Coomaraswamy's profound impact on the study of Indian art and his comprehensive approach to its history and philosophy make him the correct author of 'History of Indian Art', as indicated by Option 4.