Revamped gallery of rare Indian art to reopen after nearly 3 yrs

This summer, lovers of Indian art are in for a treat. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) will open its revamped Karl J Khandalavala gallery for the public on April 10.

This summer, lovers of Indian art are in for a treat. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) will open its revamped Karl J Khandalavala gallery for the public on April 10.

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The gallery will house 45 artefacts, such as Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings from the 18th century and fourth century Gandhara sculptures of Buddha. “A lawyer and art aficionado, the late Khandalavala donated his collection of 800 works of art to the museum,” said Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director of CSMVS. His collection includes six paintings of celebrated Pahari miniaturist Nainsukh and fourth century stucco sculptures (sculptures from sand, limestone and clay) from Afghanistan.

A new feature in the gallery – a projection screen – will showcase his entire collection as the museum does not have enough room to display every item. “In a first-of-its-kind initiative, we have decided to show the entire collection on a projection screen.”

The gallery was inaugurated in 2004, with 35 artefacts from his collection. It was shut for renovation in late 2009.