Iconic Raja Ravi Varma Masterpiece 'Kadambari' Embroiled in Intense Ownership Battle
A priceless painting, believed by some accounts to be the final work of the legendary 19th-century artist Raja Ravi Varma, is currently at the heart of a complex legal dispute. The exquisite artwork, titled 'Kadambari', faces multiple claims of ownership and a potential move out of India, sparking significant concerns in the art world.
Key Players in the 'Kadambari' Art Controversy
- Mohinder Verma: The Delhi-based art collector who claims to be the original owner of the painting.
- Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA): The private museum currently possessing and exhibiting the valuable artwork.
- Trusted Associates: Individuals accused by Verma of fraud and the illicit sale of his prized possession.
- Saffronart: The auction house through which the painting was reportedly sold.
- Queensland Art Gallery: An Australian gallery reportedly planning to acquire 'Kadambari' for permanent display.
Collector Alleges Fraud and Illegal Sale of Prized Artwork
Mohinder Verma, a seasoned art collector from Delhi, has approached the Delhi High Court, alleging he was cunningly deceived by close acquaintances. Verma claims these individuals manipulated him into handing over the 'Kadambari' painting, a piece he values deeply for its immense emotional and cultural significance to India. According to his lawsuit, these associates then proceeded to sell the artwork without his knowledge or consent.
Verma’s legal complaint details how he entrusted the masterpiece in 2021 to people he considered reliable, one of whom was also a director in his company. He alleges they tricked him into accepting an advance payment in British Pounds while in London, then tipped off local police, leading to his imprisonment abroad. While he was incarcerated, the individuals, who were supposed to safeguard and restore the painting with a clear understanding that no further action could be taken without his explicit approval, allegedly sold the artwork through a network of intermediaries.
Kiran Nadar Museum of Art's Involvement and Assurance
The lawsuit states that the 'Kadambari' painting eventually appeared at a public auction organized by Saffronart. Here, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) acquired the valuable piece for a substantial amount, all without the original owner's knowledge. The painting is estimated to be worth well over Rs 100 crore.
Recently, the KNMA assured the Delhi High Court that, as a private museum, it is merely exhibiting the painting as an artefact and has no intention of selling it further. This assurance comes amidst the ongoing legal battle over the painting's rightful ownership.
Legal Proceedings and Mediation Efforts Underway
Upon his acquittal and return to India, after UK police dropped charges against him, Mohinder Verma lodged a formal complaint with the Delhi Police against his former associates, leading to an official investigation (FIR).
During court hearings, Justice Mini Pushkarna advised all parties involved to first attempt pre-litigation mediation to resolve the dispute. Furthermore, the defendants suggested that Verma’s brother and sister-in-law should also be included in the lawsuit, as they too are claiming ownership of the 'Kadambari' painting. The High Court agreed, emphasizing the necessity of their presence in the mediation process with the other involved parties to clarify the ownership claims.
Urgent Concerns Over 'Kadambari's' Potential Transfer to Australia
A critical element of Verma’s plea to the court is the urgent fear that the painting might leave India permanently. He recently discovered that the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane, Australia, is reportedly setting up a special section dedicated to Raja Ravi Varma's works. Several prominent art dealers have informed him that 'Kadambari' is slated for permanent display at this Australian gallery.
Verma argues that such a transfer would remove the painting from India and beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court, posing an imminent risk to its recovery. Advocate Giriraj Subramanium, representing Verma, stressed that those profiting from the commercialization of art must be held responsible for verifying the true ownership (provenance) of artworks. He urged the court to hold all intermediaries accountable in this complex ownership dispute.
Broader Implications for the Indian Art Market
This high-profile legal battle, with Verma naming auction houses and market intermediaries as defendants, is expected to significantly impact the long-standing "culture of informality" prevalent in the Indian art trade. The lawsuit underscores a vital point: auction houses and art buyers must thoroughly verify the history and legal ownership of an artwork before proceeding with any transaction. This case could set a new precedent for due diligence and transparency in the art market, potentially reshaping how high-value art is bought and sold in India.
