MF Husain’s Gram Yatra Becomes the Most Expensive Indian Artwork Ever!

MF Husain is often called the ‘Picasso of India’—and it’s not hard to see why. Known for his bold brushstrokes, bright colours and storytelling style, Husain created a world of art that was uniquely his own. From his powerful horse paintings and heartfelt Mother Teresa series to vibrant scenes of Indian life and mythology, his work has always stood out for the way it blends tradition with a modern touch.

Image: Christie's

One of his lesser-seen works, Untitled (Gram Yatra) just made history at a Christie’s auction in New York. A striking, large-scale piece from his iconic “Mahabharata” series, celebrated for its bold brushstrokes, intense energy, and a unique way of retelling India’s epics. The painting sold for a jaw-dropping $13.75 million, making it the most expensive piece of Modern Indian Art ever sold. To put that into perspective, it beat the previous record, held by Amrita Sher-Gil’s The Story Teller, by almost double. And it’s way above Husain’s own earlier record of $3.1 million.

But this isn't the first time Husain’s work has caused a stir. Over the years, several of his paintings, whether from his “Mother Teresa” series, his tribute to horses, or his abstract representations of Bollywood icons, have commanded high prices and left collectors awe-struck. His 1970s painting Voices, for instance, had once set benchmarks of its own. Another fan favorite? His famed Lightning Horses, which captured the raw power and grace of the animals he so loved.

Image: Christie's

Christie’s South Asian art head, Nishad Avari, called it a big moment for Indian art. “We’re thrilled to have helped set a new benchmark, not just for Husain, but for Modern Indian Art as a whole,” he said. It’s a sign of just how quickly South Asian art is gaining recognition around the world.

It’s believed that the painting was bought by Kiran Nadar, one of India’s most respected art collectors and founder of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi. The auction was intense, with bidders competing fiercely. The painting was expected to sell for around $2.5–3.5 million (₹21–30 crore), but the final price blew everyone away.

What makes this story even more special is the history behind Gram Yatra. The painting had been quietly sitting in Norway for decades, out of public view. It was originally bought by Dr Leon Elias Volodarsky, a Ukrainian-born doctor who later moved to Norway. In the 1960s, he came to Delhi to help set up a surgery training centre for the World Health Organization. In 1964, Dr Volodarsky donated the painting to Oslo University Hospital as a gesture of thanks. For years, it remained tucked away, unnoticed. Now, decades later, it’s not only made a record-breaking return but will also help future generations; the money from the sale will go towards training young doctors.

Husain’s art has always had a way of telling stories, whether through his take on Indian epics like the Mahabharata, his tribute to Bollywood, or his bold portraits of modern life. And now, with Gram Yatra, another chapter in his legacy has been written.