To the earth we return
Through surreal Gond art, witty feminist narratives and earthy Pattachitra scrolls from our collection, we further the themes that influence Rithika Merchant’s paintings
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Anju Acharya and the circle of life
Artist Anju Acharya’s gaze may seem coolly observational at first, but it is in fact informed by deep wells of emotion and sensitivity towards her environment
Mayank Shyam and the forest of Gond
If there’s one lesson Mayank Shyam has learnt from his father and legendary Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam, it is to be wholly, joyously, uncompromisingly himself and true to the soil that has nourished him
Sarmaya X TARQ: In conversation with Hena Kapadia
We spoke to Hena Kapadia about our collaboration and her own journey with founding TARQ. How did she come upon its winning formula? We have the answer to that and much more
‘majha’ by Gaurav Ogale x Farah Mulla
Notes by the artist on ‘majha’, an audio-visual mix media installation by Gaurav Ogale x Farah Mulla
Where do we go from here?
Faced with the ravages of the global pandemic, we’re all seeking comfort, beauty and a way to strengthen that inner light no storm can disturb. ‘Shifting Selves’ offers the balm of art and history as it documents this journey inward
Making Meaning: The art of Saubiya Chasmawala
Is there a way to return to the site of an old injustice and reclaim our power? Saubiya Chasmawala’s haunting, hypnotic art attempts a revision of exactly this sort
Mining Mythology: The art of Rithika Merchant
The colours of Gond art, the figures of ancient Egypt and the stories of Greek mythology flower organically on her canvas and demand a closer re-reading
Mapping Mirages: The art of Saju Kunhan
Walking the path of the historian, archivist and craftsman, Saju Kunhan creates room for cultures, centuries and civilisations to constantly collide and create new meanings
Shifting Selves
Something beautiful and bizarre starts to happens when you place disparate works of art and history next to each other. Like a creeper putting out tendrils to investigate higher ground, these objects begin to reach out and whisper to each other. Connections crackles across mediums, styles and eras. Universal themes shine through like iridescent threads.… Read more »
Assam’s Mighty Ahom Dynasty
The Ahoms outlasted most other medieval Indian dynasties and gave their name to the state of Assam, but an account of their empire barely finds mention in mainstream culture. Here’s 10 facts that will get you curious to learn more about this northeastern empire
Age of Empires – Reading List
Understand Indian empires through their temples, art and even hairstyles in this reading list drawn from the Sarmaya library
Hindu Temple Architecture
A Sarmaya guide to Hindu temple architecture through our collection of rare photographs
Nagara, Dravidian, Vesara: Temple Styles of India
The architecture, iconography and divine design of Hindu temple architecture through the lens of its royal patrons
“You can’t visit Hampi in a day”
Respected art historian of the Vijayanagara empire, Dr (Sr) Anila Verghese illustrates what makes the art and architecture of the era unique. Through objects from the Sarmaya collection, she points us in the direction of secrets and stories hidden in plain sight at Hampi
Forgotten City of Joy
In a collaboration between Sarmaya and India Lost & Found, we admire the fading beauty of Mandu, home to the delicate Malwa style of architecture
The Lure of Lost Kingdoms
We hope this Spotlight will leave you feeling intrigued and wanting to know more about the glorious, ambitious, farsighted, but ultimately, fallible personalities who once ruled India
Brick by Brick: The Built Legacies of the Gujarat Sultanate
The Sultans of Gujarat built a lasting cultural legacy that lives on through the incredible mosques, tombs, palaces and shrines they left behind in Ahmedabad, Cambay, Patan and Champaner. Let’s go on a tour of the Sultanate through rare photographs from the Sarmaya collection
Rock & Ruler: Golconda’s Trail of Diamonds
What the chain of diamonds trickling from the marketplaces of Golconda tells us about the dynasties that branded and traded, and won and lost them
Empire of Faith: Into the realm of the Buddha & the Mauryas
Most Indians are familiar with the great emperors and exploits of the Mauryan empire. But until a few hundred years ago, their legacies lay buried in ruins, their faith forgotten by time. This is the story of a remarkable resurrection