NGMA Mumbai Hosts ‘Colours of Swades’ Exhibition Honouring Legendary Artist Nandalal Bose

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Mumbai has unveiled a major exhibition celebrating the legacy of renowned Indian artist Nandalal Bose, one of the most influential figures in modern Indian art.

Titled “Colours of Swades: From Haripura to the Constitution,” the exhibition was inaugurated by Aditi Tatkare, Maharashtra’s Minister for Women and Child Development. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 9 June 2026.

The show is being held at the historic Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall in Fort and is open to visitors free of cost.

Celebrating A Pioneer Of Modern Indian Art

Nandalal Bose is widely regarded as a pioneering force who shaped the direction of modern Indian art in the twentieth century. A disciple of Abanindranath Tagore, Bose later became the principal of Kala Bhavana at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan.

His artistic philosophy emphasised drawing inspiration from India’s cultural traditions, folk art, and everyday rural life. Through this approach, Bose played a significant role in shaping a distinctly Indian visual identity during the country’s freedom movement.

In recognition of his contribution to Indian art and culture, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan.

The Iconic Haripura Panels

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the famous Haripura Panels, created in 1938 for the Indian National Congress session held in Haripura.

The panels were designed under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi and are known for their vibrant colours and bold lines inspired by Indian folk traditions.

These artworks depict scenes from everyday village life, including farmers, craftsmen, musicians, potters and artisans, celebrating the energy and dignity of rural India.

Art In The Making Of The Constitution

Another major focus of the exhibition is Bose’s contribution to the Constitution of India.

Working with his students at Kala Bhavana, Bose created the decorative borders and illustrations that adorn the original manuscript of the Constitution. These artworks visually narrate India’s civilisational journey, featuring themes ranging from the Indus Valley civilisation and episodes from the Ramayana to moments from the Mughal era and the freedom struggle.

According to Nidhi Choudhari, director of NGMA Mumbai, the exhibition brings together two defining phases of Bose’s artistic career — the Haripura Panels and his work on the Constitution — highlighting how art played a role in shaping the cultural imagination of the nation.

Blending Tradition With Technology

The exhibition also introduces AI-assisted digital interpretations of Bose’s artworks, created in collaboration with Mumbai-based filmmaker Ebyug Akhil.

These digital presentations animate scenes from the historic panels, offering visitors a contemporary way to engage with the artist’s work while preserving the original aesthetic.

A Major Cultural Showcase In Mumbai

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several notable figures from the art and academic community, including Shruti Das, deputy curator at NGMA Mumbai; art historian Saryu Doshi; philanthropist Aneel Kashi Murarka; Him Chatterjee, Vice-Chancellor of the Sir JJ School of Art; and the institution’s principal Rajiv Mishra.

Artists Prakash Bal Joshi, Varsha Karale, Nayanaa Kanodia, and Sanjukta Barik were also present at the launch event.

With its combination of historical artworks and modern digital interpretation, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the artistic legacy of Nandalal Bose and his role in shaping the cultural narrative of modern India.