India Most Expensive Painting Sold for ₹167 Crore Raja Ravi Varma Yashoda Krishna Auction Full Details
In a historic moment for Indian art, a masterpiece by Raja Ravi Varma titled “Yashoda and Krishna” has been sold for a record-breaking ₹167.2 crore at a Saffronart auction in Mumbai in April 2026.
This sale has officially made it the most expensive Indian painting ever sold, marking a major milestone in the global recognition of Indian classical art.
Artwork Details
- Painting: Yashoda and Krishna
- Artist: Raja Ravi Varma
- Year: Circa 1890s
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
- Auction House: Saffronart (Mumbai)
The painting beautifully captures a tender moment between mother Yashoda and child Krishna, symbolizing love, nurturing, and divine innocence.
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Record-Breaking Auction Sale
The artwork was sold at the Saffronart Spring Live Auction 2026 for an astounding ₹167.2 crore (approximately $18 million).
- Buyer: Cyrus Poonawalla
- Location: Mumbai
- Event Date: April 1, 2026
This sale shattered previous records and established a new benchmark for Indian artworks in the global market.
Why This Painting Became So Valuable
1. Rare Masterpiece
Original oil paintings by Raja Ravi Varma are extremely rare. Limited availability and high demand significantly increased the artwork’s value.
2. National Treasure Status
Ravi Varma’s works are considered national treasures, meaning they cannot be exported outside India, making them highly desirable among Indian collectors.
3. Cultural Significance
The painting reflects Indian mythology and rural life, portraying the emotional bond between mother and child along with divine symbolism.
4. Rising Indian Art Market
The Indian art market has been rapidly growing, with collectors and investors showing increased interest in heritage artworks.
Viral Image vs Original Painting
Many images circulating on social media may not represent the exact original painting sold at the auction.Multiple versions and prints of similar compositions exist Edited or digitally enhanced images are often used in viral posts Only auction catalog images should be considered authentic references
About the Auction
The Saffronart auction held on April 1, 2026, witnessed intense bidding competition. The final hammer price reached ₹167.2 crore, making history in the Indian art world.
Buyer Statement
Cyrus Poonawalla described the painting as a “national treasure” and expressed interest in making it accessible for public viewing in the future.
Why This News Matters
Biggest sale in Indian art history Global recognition of Indian classical paintings Increased investment value of art assets Strengthening cultural identity and heritage
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Conclusion
The ₹167 crore sale of “Yashoda and Krishna” is officially verified and marks a historic achievement for Indian art. While the viral image may vary, the record-breaking auction itself is 100% authentic and confirmed.
RAAD WORLD Insight
This milestone signals a new era where Indian heritage art is gaining global prestige and financial recognition.
Stay tuned with RAAD WORLD for more verified news and insights.
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