The Navratnas of Indian Art.

One of the best things that was done by the Indian Government on the Art front , was to declare some Art and Antiquities as non - exportable. 

Though in my humble opinion, I think this list could have been longer, the fact that it is there, goes to show, on how someone in the Government of India, knew that this was an important legacy to safe keep 

The list is simple 

1 Raja Ravi Verma - a scion of the Southern state of Kerala , he was known for his portraiture and mythical paintings - mostly in large scale format

2. Rabindranath Tagore- the Nobel Laurette who was a visionary of the arts. Setting up an institute for the arts like no other. The famous Shantiniketan School. He started painting late in his life - 40 years to be precise, the works are more an expression of his many artistic prowess

3. Gagendranath Tagore- Nephew of Rabindranath Tagore, whose beautiful washed techniques, made his paintings have an ethereal look

4. Abnindranath Tagore - another newphew of Rabindranath Tagore, whose works can be seen in National Museum in New Delhi. Stunning visuals of city scapes 

5. Nicholas Roerich - the Russian painter , who not only fell in love with the country but also married an actor of his time, Deviki Rani . His painting of the Himalayas were influenced by European art and his techniques of colours, making the same visual , seem completely different 

6. Jamini Roy - One of the most beloved artists who studied in Calcutta, his art evolved into making the Kalighat style, world famous, and how he re interpreted Christian iconography 

7. Amrita Sher Gil - This half Indian and half Hungarian painter, who died very early in her life, fell madly in love with India, and went from painting Euro centric art in her early days to the more collectable Indian series. 

8. Sailoz Mukherjee

9. Nandalal Bose

   

The list could be longer, I personally believe a lot more artists could have been added to this, not just these nine. 

I believe Sunyani Devi, sister of Gagendranath and Abnindranath Tagore should be added to this list. 

The list does not have a lot of female representation. 

But then , by making this list the Government of India, ensured that these works could not leave India.