Treasure of India opened its gallery in Palam Vihar, Gurugram, in October 2026 with NAVRATNA: Indigenous Masters, an exhibition of nine master artisans curated by art historian Uma Nair. Navratna means "nine jewels". Each artist represents a living tradition, from Dhokra brass to Pichwai painting, and the artists are named on the gallery walls beside their work.
The opening
The gallery was inaugurated by Jai Madaan. The most important moment of the evening belonged to the artists: the master artisans themselves led the ceremonial lamp lighting. Putli Ganju and the Sohrai team travelled from Jharkhand for the exhibition and stayed on for the Treasure of India Art Residency.
The nine master artisans
Baldev Waghmare, Dhokra metal art
A National Awardee who casts figures in brass and bell metal by the lost-wax method. Read our profile of Baldev Waghmare or see his work.
Hirabai Jhureka Baghel, Dhokra metal art
A National Handicraft Award winner from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, known for detailed Dhokra wall pieces and plates. See her work.
Nankusia Shyam, Gond art
A Gond master from Madhya Pradesh, painting in the tradition's signature fine lines and dots. See Nankusia Shyam's paintings.
Putli Ganju, Sohrai art
A Lifetime Achievement Awardee from Jharkhand who has painted Sohrai for decades. She is also the first artist at our art residency. See her Sohrai paintings.
Niranjan Maharana, Pattachitra
A Pattachitra painter from Odisha who works on treated cloth with natural colours. See Niranjan Maharana's Pattachitra.
Akshay Kumar Bariki, Pattachitra
A Pattachitra artist from Odisha, the second Pattachitra master in the exhibition.
Putul Chitrakar, Kalighat painting
A Bengal patua painter working in the bold, flowing Kalighat style of old Kolkata. See Putul Chitrakar's paintings.
Leelakant Pareek, Pichwai and miniature painting
A Nathdwara painter of Shrinathji Pichwais and miniatures. See his Pichwai paintings.
Sudarshan Pareek, Pichwai and miniature painting
A Nathdwara master of Pichwai and miniature painting. See Sudarshan Pareek's work.
Why an exhibition of indigenous masters
Many of India's finest traditional artists are known only in their own villages, and buyers rarely learn the names behind the work. NAVRATNA puts the makers first: every work is shown with its maker's name, craft and region, and the works are for sale so that the art supports the people who make it.
See the exhibition and buy the work
The works are on show at the gallery and available online, each with a signed certificate of authenticity. Plan your visit with our guide to the gallery in Gurugram or book a visit. You can also meet every maker in the artisan directory, or browse Dhokra, Gond, Sohrai, Pattachitra, Kalighat and Pichwai art.
FAQs
What is NAVRATNA: Indigenous Masters?
The opening exhibition of the Treasure of India gallery in Gurugram, showing the work of nine master artisans from across India.
Who curated NAVRATNA?
Art historian and author Uma Nair.
Which artists are in NAVRATNA?
Baldev Waghmare, Hirabai Jhureka Baghel, Nankusia Shyam, Putli Ganju, Niranjan Maharana, Akshay Kumar Bariki, Putul Chitrakar, Leelakant Pareek and Sudarshan Pareek.
Can I buy the works from the exhibition?
Yes. Most works are for sale at the gallery and on treasureofindia.com, and we ship across India and worldwide.
