Paritosh Sen (26 September 1918 – 22 October 2008) was one of the pioneering figures of modern Indian art and a founding member of the influential Calcutta Group, established in 1942. Born in Dhaka (then Dacca, now in Bangladesh), Sen played a significant role in introducing modernist ideas into Indian artistic practice during a time when the country’s visual culture was undergoing profound transformation.

Sen pursued advanced artistic training in Paris, studying at renowned institutions such as the Académie André Lhote, Académie de la Grande Chaumière, the École des Beaux-Arts, and the École du Louvre. This international exposure deeply shaped his artistic language, which blended European modernist sensibilities with themes drawn from Indian life and society.

Upon returning to India, Sen dedicated himself to both art practice and teaching, working at institutions including Jadavpur University and The Daly College in Indore. His career was marked by numerous international exhibitions, including the São Paulo Biennial, the Triennale India, and the Havana Biennial.

In addition to painting, Sen was also an accomplished writer. His autobiographical book Zindabahar (1959–60) reflects on the cultural life of his childhood in Dhaka. Through his paintings, writings, and teaching, Paritosh Sen left an enduring mark on the evolution of modern Indian art.