TAKSHANAM, the new sculpture showcase at National Gallery of Modern Art, opened on 16 October, gathering over 250 works by 150 Indian artists under one roof. The ambitious display maps the evolution of Indian sculpture from ancient terracotta figures to contemporary installations, offering visitors a sweeping view of the nation’s three‑millennia‑old carving tradition.

The show is split into two curatorial strands. Eminent Artists reunites veteran sculptors whose careers have shaped the field, while the Open Call Artists section introduces roughly eighty emerging creators selected by a jury. Works from NGMA’s own collection sit alongside these pieces, sparking a dialogue between established masters and fresh voices.

A first for the institution, the exhibition also allows the public to purchase sculptures directly from the gallery. This sales initiative, championed by Director General Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, aims to provide meaningful financial support to makers whose practice demands time, material and expertise.

Beyond the market, the show underscores India’s sculptural legacy—from the Harappan "Dancing Girl" and the Priest‑King of Mohenjo‑Daro to the temple reliefs of Ajanta, Ellora and Khajuraho—while highlighting contemporary figures such as Anish Kapoor and Subodh Gupta who have brought Indian sculpture to the global stage.

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