Treasure of India has opened its doors in Gurgaon recently with Navratna: Indigenous Masters, its inaugural exhibition curated by art historian Uma Nair. Founded by artist Tanisha Bakshi, the gallery is conceived as more than a commercial space: a living home for traditional, tribal, and indigenous art.A Family Legacy Turned Toward ArtisansThe gallery carries forward a 45-year legacy that began with Tanisha’s father, artist and collector Ashok Samrat Bakshi. Through its philanthropic arm, the Treasure of India Art Foundation, the gallery aims to secure global recognition, dignity, and economic value for master artisans. Residencies, workshops, and sustained promotion are meant to help traditional and tribal creators grow into independent, internationally recognised artists.Nine Masters, Centuries of CraftThe inaugural show brings together nine national award-winning artisans and master practitioners. Its works span techniques from 4,000-year-old lost-wax metal casting to mythological and traditional painting.
- Baldev Waghmare and Hirabai Jhareka Baghel, Dokra art
- Nankusia Shyam, Gond art
- Putli Ganju, Sohrai art
- Niranjan Maharana and Akshaya Kumar Bariki, Pattachitra art
- Putul Chitrakar, Kalighat painting
- Leelakamt Pareek, Pichwai art
- Sudarshan Pareek, miniature painting
- Craft as Living Heritage
Speaking about the vision, founder Tanisha Bakshi said, “India’s artisans are the real treasure of this nation. Our core purpose is to preserve the sacred lineage of Indian art so that every master creator receives the recognition, dignity, and true financial and social value that their extraordinary skill deserves. We are building a platform that lifts them onto the world stage, ensuring their tireless efforts, generational legacies, and creativity receive the acclaim they have long awaited.“Reflecting on the inaugural exhibition, curator Uma Nair said, “The moment you look at these works, you are embraced by the beauty of simplicity and the richness of our Indian heritage. You remember Mahatma Gandhi saying, ‘The soul of India lies in its villages.’ How true were these words. These paintings and sculptures by National Award-winning artists are indeed vehicles of intimate expression. They touch upon a wider philosophy of life through the humble as well as the spiritual.“
