Today marks a momentous occasion in India's cultural history as the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, (NGMA) jointly inaugurated the extraordinary exhibition, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Celebration of the 350th Anniversary of the Great Coronation” in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, (IGNCA) Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

In a ceremony graced by the esteemed Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Shri Govind Mohan stated that the exhibition pays homage to the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inviting audiences on a captivating journey through the life and times of one of the nation’s most revered historical figures.

 

 

Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary Culture, stated that Shivaji Maharaj's profound recognition of the paramount importance of naval power underscores his unparalleled leadership, visionary administrative strategies, and unyielding commitment to the sovereignty of our nation. As a great leader, administrator, and visionary, Shivaji Maharaj's enduring legacy continues to inspire generations, and this exhibition serves as a poignant tribute to his remarkable contributions to our rich historical tapestry. Secretary Culture also expressed deep appreciation for the talented artists, who brought the collection to life with their extraordinary skill and dedication. He emphasized the significance of preserving this invaluable collection at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), ensuring that it continues to inspire and educate future generations about the rich legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

 

 

Curated from the distinguished collection of Shri. Deepak Gore, the exhibition features larger-than-life canvases steeped in historical significance, offering a breathtaking collection of 115 masterpieces. Partnering with the renowned father-son artist duo, Shri Shrikant Chougule and Shri Gautam Chougule, Gore embarked on an ambitious journey to bring this vision to life. A pivotal collaboration with the legendary historian, Padma Vibhushan Shri Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, ensured accuracy in every detail, resulting in a captivating portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj's life and legacy.

 

 

The exhibition opens with a pivotal scene: a young Shivaji receiving the saffron flag from his father Shahaji, symbolizing the birth of a dream – an independent Maratha kingdom, Swarajya. Visitors are then taken through a narrative journey encompassing major military and naval events, highlighting Shivaji's strategic genius in selecting the Fort of Raigad as his bastion.

Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General of NGMA, expressed profound gratitude to all involved in bringing this remarkable showcase to fruition, emphasizing the exhibition's significance in commemorating the completion of 350 years since the Great Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, IGNCA, New Delhi, is a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of one of its greatest heroes.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts stated that it is a matter of great pride that to celebrate the 350 years of coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in collaboration with National Gallery of Modern Art, is organizing the exhibition of 115 paintings based the life of great son of Bharat Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These paintings belong to the collection of Shri Deepak Gore, who has got these paintings executed by the artists-Shrikant Chougule and Gautam Chougule, after intensive research on the topic under guidance of Padma Vibhushan Babasaheb Purandare, a famous historian and authority on Chhatrapati Shivaji's history and extensive field work.

Due to the initiatives of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who saw these paintings at Rajkot fort on Navy Day on 4' December 2023, where Shri Deepak Gore had expressed his desire to gift these paintings for the national cause, and as desired by the Secretary Culture, Shri Govind Mohan, IGNCA will be receiving these paintings on 6" June 2024 from Shri Deepak Gore. The exhibition will be great source of inspiration to the youth of the country. Exhibition is open for public till June 21^st 2024.

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