Treasure of India Opens with Inaugural Exhibition Navratna: Indigenous Masters

Exhibition Dates: 18 October 2026 – 27 December 2026

Venue: Treasure of India Gallery, Gurugram, India

Curator: Uma Nair

GURUGRAM: Treasure of India officially opens its doors in Gurugram on 18 October 2026 with its inaugural exhibition, Navratna: Indigenous Masters, curated by Uma Nair. Founded by eminent artist Tanisha Bakshi, Treasure of India is established not merely as an art gallery but as a vibrant, living home dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and elevating India’s rich heritage of traditional, tribal, and indigenous art.

Carrying forward a 45-year generational legacy that began with her father, artist and ace collector Ashok Samrat Bakshi, the gallery and its philanthropic arm the Treasure of India Art Foundation, seek to ensure that master artisans receive the global recognition, dignity, and economic value their sacred lineages deserve. Through residencies, workshops, and their sustained promotion, the initiative empowers traditional and tribal creators to evolve into independent, globally recognised icons.

Curated by renowned art historian and author Uma Nair, Navratna: Indigenous Masters brings together an extraordinary assembly of nine national award-winning artisans and master practitioners whose work reflects the soul, spiritual depth, and living cultural heritage of India.

Unfolding across centuries-old traditions, intricate techniques, and sacred narratives, the inaugural show presents a breathtaking panorama of indigenous mastery from 4,000-year-old lost-wax metal castings to fine mythological and traditional paintings showcasing Indian craftsmanship.

Featuring Master Artisans:

• Baldev Waghmare (National Awardee) – Dokra Art
• Hirabai Jhareka Baghel (National Awardee) – Dokra Art
• Nankusia Shyam – (Master Artisan)- Gond Art
• Putli Ganju (Lifetime Achievement Awardee) – Sohrai Art
• Niranjan Maharana (National Awardee) – Pattachitra Art
• Putul Chitrakar (State Awardee) – Kalighat Painting
• Leelakamt Pareek (Master Artisan) – Pichwai Art
• Sudarshan Pareek (Master Artisan) – Miniature Painting
• Akshaya Kumar Bariki (National Awardee) – Pattachitra Art

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 added:

“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.”

About the Founder:

Award-winning artist Tanisha Bakshi and art connoisseur NK Malhotra established Treasure of India to bridge traditional and tribal art legacies with contemporary global appreciation. The founders also started the Treasure of India Art Foundation to provide grassroots support, residencies, and modern tools to indigenous artisans across the country.

About the Treasure of India Art Foundation: 

The Treasure of India Art Foundation is the non-profit arm dedicated to sustaining Indian craftsmanship at the grass-roots level. By offering artistic residencies, skill enhancement workshops, modern market exposure, and direct financial support, the Foundation equips master artisans and their lineages with the tools needed to flourish in today’s global art landscape while safeguarding India’s intangible cultural legacy.

Fact Sheet:

Title: Navratna: Indigenous Masters.

Preview Date: 17 October 2026

Exhibition Dates: 18 October 2026 – 27 December 2026

Curator: Uma Nair
Venue: Treasure of India Gallery, Gurugram, India

Contact: 9911131130