A small but rare 16th-century Indian painting has made history by selling for a record ₹120 crore (13.6 million dollars) at Christie’s auction in London on October 30.
The artwork, titled A Family of Cheetahs in a Rocky Landscape, is believed to be painted by the Mughal-era artist Basawan. It shows a family of cheetahs resting on grass among rocks and is made with bright pigments and gold detailing on cloth.
This sale has set a new world record for Classical Indian art. It follows another big moment earlier this year when M.F. Husain’s 1954 painting Gram Yatra became the most expensive modern Indian artwork, selling for a similar price.
The cheetah painting was part of a special auction of Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan’s private art collection, which together brought in over ₹540 crore.
Experts say this sale is a landmark moment for Indian art. Christie’s said it reflects the lasting global interest in Indian and Islamic art.
Artist Bose Krishnamachari called it a proud moment, adding that this record will increase the value of other Indian miniature paintings as well.
