Raja Ravi Varma’s ‘last’ painting caught in ugly ownership row
Times of India
by ABHINAV GARGFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A rare painting by the renowned 19th-century Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, believed to be his last work, has become entangled in a high-stakes legal battle over ownership. The painting, titled *Kadambari*, is currently held by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), which assured the Delhi High Court that it will not sell the artifact. However, the case has sparked concerns over its potential transfer to the Queensland Art Gallery in Australia, as well as questions about the integrity of India's art market.
The legal纠纷 began when art collector Mohinder Verma alleged that his trusted associates exploited him during a period of personal hardship. Verma claimed that while he was incarcerated abroad, his associates sold *Kadambari* through a network of intermediaries, ultimately acquiring it at a Saffronart auction by KNMA. Verma’s suit argues that his associates violated the terms of their agreement to safeguard and restore the painting, leading to its sale without his consent.
The court is now mediating between Verma and the defendants, including KNMA and others involved in the sale chain. During hearings, Justice Mini Pushkarna also directed Verma’s brother and sister-in-law to be included as parties, as they too have made ownership claims. Verma’s legal team emphasized that intermediaries profiting from art transactions must verify provenance before proceeding, highlighting gaps in India’s informal art trade practices.
This case highlights critical issues in the Indian art market, including the lack of formal verification processes and the risks of losing cultural artifacts to international buyers. If
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026