The illustrated catalogue of Central Indian Paintings in the collection of Jagadish and Kamla Mittal Museum of Indian Art was launched on Thursday in the city by well known art curator Saryu Doshi. The catalogue co-authored by Jagdish Mittal with John Seyller is the 11th in the series about the collection of the museum. “Those who cannot visit the museum can experience it by going through this comprehensive catalogue which is a scholarly documentation by Mr Mittal,” said G.V. Sanjay Reddy, a trustee of the museum, at the launch event.
Sharing his lifelong love affair with paintings and collecting, Mr. Mittal suggested a change in nomenclature for paintings currently ascribed to Malwa region. “These paintings for the longest time were known as from Malwa region. Our research proves that they are from Bundelkhand region where the principality flourished after Emperor Jehangir recognised it. It got sub-divided as the family of the ruler expanded and encompassed Orcha, Dhatia, Chattarpur and other areas,” said Mr Mittal, showcasing a few paintings and pointing out the similarities, differences, inspiration and styles.
“Very few museums in the world can claim to have put so much documentation out there. The catalogue has the information collected over a lifetime. This is the best way to take it forward,” said Ms. Doshi who shared her earliest experiences of meeting Mr. Mittal when she met the couple in Hyderabad as a novice art student.