Art Collecting In India Through The Ages

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of art collecting in India, from royal patronage to modern practices shaped by socio-political and economic changes. It highlights the ancient tradition of art– serving spiritual, cultural, and political purposes, evolving through colonial influences that introduced Western aesthetics and private collecting. Post-independence, collecting in India became a means of reclaiming cultural identity, marked by movements like that of the Progressive Artists\u27 Group. Three collections illustrate the diversity of contemporary Indian collecting- the personal collection of Kiran Nadar and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art focusing on public engagement and modern Indian art; Vinay Sheth’s private, encyclopaedic collection preserving historical traditions; and Abhishek Bagri’s contemporary approach, emphasizing personal connection over trends. This essay explores how economic liberalisation, globalisation, and digital access have expanded the art market while raising tensions between financial motives and cultural preservation. It underscores the critical role of collectors and museums in bridging India\u27s artistic heritage and modern narrative