4 min readMumbaiApr 13, 2024 12:29 PM IST
First published on: Apr 13, 2024 at 08:44 AM IST
Todywalla Auctions, hailed as pioneers in numismatics—the study and collection of coins and paper money—for many decades, is gearing up for its third Indian Art auction. Scheduled for Tuesday (April 16) evening at Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba, the auction would feature 160 lots, including paintings (miniatures), stone sculptures and decorative objects in bronze and silver that span over eleven centuries of Indian art and culture.
Under the spotlight here is a Mughal painting featuring two ladies celebrating Diwali with an attendant holding a lit firework, juxtaposed against a show of fireworks at the banks of a lake in the distance. Titled ‘Ladies on a Palace Terrace Celebrate Diwali’, the 1730 painting by Muhammad Afzal, an imperial Mughal artist, is estimated to cost between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.
“It is also interesting to note that the paper it was painted on was even 100 years older. Behind the painting, there is Persian calligraphy where Abd al-Rahim Raushan-Qalam Herawi has scribed two verses and signed his name with the date 1022AH/1613 CE,” said Malcolm F Todywalla. A master’s degree holder in Numismatics and Archeology from Mumbai University, he represents the new generation at Todywalla Auctions.
Ladies on a Palace Terrace Celebrate Diwali’, the 1730 painting by Muhammad Afzal, an imperial Mughal artist.
Established in 1964 by Farokh S Todywalla, a renowned numismatist, Todywalla Auctions is the country’s first Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-licensed auction house dealing specifically with ancient, old and rare coins. The expansion to Indian art happened recently when they “saw a dearth of avenues to buy genuine Indian art”. The first Indian art auction was held in February 2022.
Another highlight of this auction is an 11th-century relief, typical of the later Pala period sculpture from Eastern Bengal, depicting Vishnu. “It’s a thousand-year-old Pala sculpture — a specimen, far superior and larger than the one at the National Museum, New Delhi. It is in absolutely pristine condition and has no blemishes,” shared Malcolm, adding that it is estimated to cost between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, making it the most expansive lot.
An 11th-century relief, typical of the later Pala period sculpture from Eastern Bengal, depicting Vishnu.
Other highlights include a 400-year-old painting from Bikaner featuring an illustration from the Ramayana, depicting Lord Ram seated with Sita and Lakshman, and a 200-year-old painting from Kishangarh portraying Lord Ram vanquishing Ravana on the battlefield. In contrast to these traditional artworks are a pair of vibrant paintings, each showcasing 25 yoga poses.
Two Leaves From a Pictorial Manual of Yoga Postures And Gestures which is part of a larger illustrated Manuscript.
“It is one of my favourite pieces in this lot,” admitted Malcolm, adding that both the paintings are essentially two leaves from a pictorial manual of yoga postures and gestures and are part of a larger illustrated manuscript. “We have been calling yoga ancient, this painting documents it from the late 18th century,” he added, and showed us another set of artworks that are displayed in the basement. Among them is a beautiful 18th-century cast brass Mukhalinga from Western Deccan and an 1820 painting of the interior of the Taj Mahal showing the tomb chamber with cenotaphs of Emperor Shah Jahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal.
The auction items are on display for viewing until April 15 at Om Chamber, Kemps Corner, Mumbai
Malcolm F Todywalla with an 11th century Pala Stele depicting Vishnu. (Express Photo) 
Ladies on a Palace Terrace Celebrate Diwali’, the 1730 painting by Muhammad Afzal, an imperial Mughal artist.
An 11th-century relief, typical of the later Pala period sculpture from Eastern Bengal, depicting Vishnu.
Two Leaves From a Pictorial Manual of Yoga Postures And Gestures which is part of a larger illustrated Manuscript.
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