One of the pioneers of the Indian modernist movement, Amrita Sher-Gil (b.1913), was greatly influenced by the Ajanta Caves and infused it with European techniques in her practice. She also had influences from Mughal miniatures and applied their technicalities to her compositions. Her colours were rich and her subjects seemed to be kept theatrically. She chose to portray the life of women and people in poverty while exploring the rich diversity of Indian culture.
Sher-Gil was homeschooled in art by Major Whitmarsh and learned the academic style of painting at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in France. She was the first woman artist to be recognized for her boldness as a painter from India. She has also been declared a National Treasure artist by the Government of India (1976).