Ramkinkar Baij (1906–1980) was a pioneering Indian sculptor and painter, celebrated as a foundational figure of modern Indian sculpture and an influential voice in the movement of Contextual Modernism.

 Born into a modest family in Bankura, West Bengal, Baji was deeply influenced by rural life, particularly that of the Santhal communities near Santiniketan, which often featured in his work. Although not Adivasi himself, his empathy for marginalized lives shaped much of his artistic expression. 

Baij started painting portraits of freedom fighters in his teenage years, during the Non-Cooperation Movement.

His exceptional talent caught the attention of journalist Ramananda Chatterjee, leading him to join Kala Bhavana at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, in 1925. Under the mentorship of Nandalal Bose and within the intellectually rich environment fostered by Rabindranath Tagore, Baji’s artistry matured in depth and originality. 

Upon completing his education, he joined Kala Bhavana as a faculty member and later took charge of the sculpture departmentAlong with Nandalal Bose and Benode Behari Mukherjee, he was instrumental in shaping Santiniketan into a hub of modern Indian art before Independence.

"Notable sculptors like Shankho Chowdhury and Prabhas Sen were among his students."