Exhibition showcases more than 70 classical masterpieces spanning 1,000 years
A major exhibition celebrating India’s artistic heritage is set to open in Gurugram this August with more than 70 works representing nearly a millennium of artistic production. Past Perfect: A Thousand Years of Indian Art will run from 13 August to 7 September 2026 at The Quorum, bringing together paintings, sculptures, textiles, bronzes and decorative arts dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries. Jointly curated by Todywalla Auctions, Heirloom Art and Itihāsology, the exhibition aims to introduce visitors to the diversity of India’s visual traditions while creating opportunities for public engagement through talks and discussions.
A survey of India’s artistic traditions
The exhibition presents a broad overview of India’s evolving artistic landscape across regional courts, religious traditions and imperial workshops. Visitors will encounter works from Mughal, Deccani and Rajput ateliers, alongside Jain manuscript paintings, illustrated Shahnamas, depictions of Radha and Krishna, Pala sculptures, bronze icons and decorative objects.
Together, these works trace changing traditions of patronage, craftsmanship and devotion, offering insight into how artistic practices developed across different parts of the Indian subcontinent over centuries. The exhibition also includes carved wood, silver objects and historic textiles, providing a wider understanding of India’s material culture beyond painting alone.
Exhibition Highlights
- More than 70 artworks spanning the 9th–19th centuries
- Mughal, Rajput and Deccani miniature paintings
- Jain manuscripts and illustrated Shahnamas
- Bronze icons and Pala sculptures
- Historic textiles, silver and decorative arts
- Rare examples from private collections
Collaboration between three organisations
Past Perfect is jointly organised by Todywalla Auctions, Heirloom Art and Itihāsology, bringing together expertise from the auction world, art advisory and public history. According to the organisers, the exhibition seeks to make classical Indian art more accessible to wider audiences by presenting important works outside the conventional museum or auction environment.
The exhibition also marks the first time that The Quorum in Gurugram has hosted an exhibition of this scale dedicated entirely to classical Indian art, expanding its cultural programming beyond its regular calendar of talks and community events.
Public programme explores the Koh-i-Noor debate
Alongside the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to attend The Koh-i-Noor: Legacy. Legends. Legalities, a fireside salon scheduled for 5 September 2026.
The discussion will examine one of the world’s most debated cultural objects through questions of provenance, restitution, ownership, museum ethics and public memory.
The programme will feature:
- Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India
- Sanjoy Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts
- Historian and author Rana Safvi
- Moderator Kudrat Singh, Creative Director, Itihāsology
- Opening remarks by Advocate Ricky Chopra
Building wider appreciation for classical Indian art
Speaking in the press release, Malcolm Todywalla, Founder of Todywalla Auctions, said the exhibition offers an opportunity to introduce classical Indian art to audiences beyond traditional auction settings. Eric Chopra of Itihāsology noted that the organisation has long worked to bring Indian history into public spaces through heritage walks, publications and cultural programming, describing the exhibition as a continuation of that mission.
Together, the organisers hope that Past Perfect will encourage curiosity among both experienced collectors and first-time visitors while highlighting the historical significance of India’s artistic traditions through carefully selected works and public conversations.
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Past Perfect: A Thousand Years of Indian Art |
| Venue | The Quorum, Gurugram, Haryana |
| City | Gurugram |
| Opening Date | 13 August 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | 13 August – 7 September 2026 |
| Opening Soirée | 14 August 2026, 7:00 PM onwards |
| Organisers / Curators | Todywalla Auctions, Heirloom Art and Itihāsology |
| Exhibition Focus | Over 70 paintings, sculptures, textiles, bronzes and decorative arts spanning the 9th to the 19th centuries. |
| Special Event | The Koh-i-Noor: Legacy. Legends. Legalities – Fireside Salon on 5 September 2026 |
| Featured Speakers | Lily Pandeya, Sanjoy Roy, Rana Safvi; moderated by Kudrat Singh with opening remarks by Advocate Ricky Chopra |
| Entry | Visitor information and registration to be announced by the organisers. |
| Official Websites | https://www.todywallaauctions.com/ https://itihasology.com/ https://thequorumclub.com/ |
Past Perfect: A Thousand Years of Indian Art will be presented at The Quorum, Gurugram, from 13 August to 7 September 2026. The exhibition is curated by Todywalla Auctions, Heirloom Art and Itihāsology. Information regarding visitor registration and entry is expected to be available through the organisers closer to the opening.
Conclusion
By bringing together masterpieces created across a thousand years, Past Perfect offers visitors an opportunity to explore the continuity and diversity of India’s artistic heritage in a single exhibition. Beyond displaying historical works, the exhibition encourages conversations around collecting, conservation, cultural memory and the relevance of classical art in contemporary society, making it a significant addition to Gurugram’s cultural calendar.
