Ratan Parimo is a distinguished figure in Indian art, celebrated both as a painter and an art historian His influence on modern Indian art has been profound, spanning several decades and encompassing numerous roles in education, painting, and scholarship 

Born in Kashmir in 1936 in Srinagar, the artist moved to Baroda when he was only 15 years old and began his education at the Fine Arts Department of Maharaja Sayajirao University, where he studied under the guidance of famous painter N S Bendre In 1960, Parimoo received a Commonwealth scholarship, which allowed him to study at the University of London, where he earned a BA Hons in the history of art He also completed a PhD in art history This extensive academic background laid the foundation for his future contributions to art education and history

Parimoo's career at MS University, Baroda, was marked by significant achievements He served as a professor of Art History and Aesthetics and later as the dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts for twenty-five years During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on modern art in India, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary techniques In 1956, he co-founded the Baroda Group of Artists with notable peers like GR Santosh, KG Subramanyan, Shanti Dave, NS Bendre, and Jyoti Bhatt This group sought to redefine postcolonial Indian art, merging living traditions with modernist approaches

Parimoo's contributions extend beyond teaching and painting He has been an active member of various influential organisations, such as the Central Advisory Board of Museum-Government of India, the UGC panel for fine arts, and the art purchase committee of the National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi His writings have significantly enriched Indian art history, with notable works on Raja Ravi Varma, the Gujarati School, Jain manuscript paintings, and comparative studies of the Tagore family's paintings

As a painter, Parimoo has held several solo shows and group exhibitions across India and internationally, with his works featured in prominent collections and auction houses worldwide