Introduction
- Date of Birth
- 30 Jul 1941
- Zodiac sign
- Leo
- Date of Death
- 29 Dec 2008
- Age
- 67
- Place of Birth
- Dhuri, Punjab, India
- Place of Death
- New Delhi, NCT of Delhi, India
- Spouse(s)
- Sharda bawa
- Children
- Daughter bhavana bawa, son
- State Country of Birth
- Punjab, India
- State Country of Death
- NCT of Delhi, India
1958
- National Diploma in Fine Arts, School of Art, Delhi Polytechnic, New Delhi, India
1958 – 1963
1964
- Taught painting at the Institute of Adult Education, UK
1964 – 1967
1967
- Diploma in Silk Screen Printing, Warden Institute of Essex, UK
1967
- Supervisor of Silk Screen Workshop, at Webbs Printers, Kingston, UK
1967 – 1969
- Part-time Lecturer at London Borough, London, UK
1967 – 1969
- Worked as a Serigrapher, London, UK
1967 – 1971
1975
- Visiting Lecturer, College of Art, New Delhi, India
1975 – 1977
1977
- Municipal Commissioner, Dalhousie, India
1977 – 1982
- Established Silkscreen Workshop and worked as an expert in printing at Garhi Studios, New Delhi, India
1977 – 1988
- Founder Member, Committee for Communal Harmony, New Delhi, India
1977 – 1988
- Commissioner, Bharat Bhavan Biennale, Bhopal, India
1977 – 1988
- Member, Organising Committee, First International Print Biennale, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, India
1977 – 1988
- Member, Executive Committee, Roopankar Museum, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, India
1977 – 1988
1979
- Expert in Serigraphy, Garhi Workshop, New Delhi, India
- Graphic Camp Show, Vadodara, India
1981
- Created the Film Poster for director Mani Kaul's Satah Se Uthata Aadmi ('Arising from the Surface'), Cannes International Film Festival, France
1984
- Collaborated on Anti-communal projects with Sahmat, New Delhi, India
1985
- CMC Camp, New Delhi, India
- East West Encounter, Mumbai, India
1986
- Member Jury, Sanskriti Awards, New Delhi, India
1986 – 1987
1987
- Member, Executive Committee, CMC Gallery, New Delhi, India
1988
- Jury Member, Kalidas Samman, Madhya Pradesh, India
1988 – 1989
1992
- Designed 'Yeh Bhumi', a special issue of India Today published after demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya
1993
- India Songs, Curated the show for New South Wales Museum, Australia
1994
- Curated an exhibition of Paintings by National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Syria
1995
- Curated Show of Contemporary Indian Artists, for National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Egypt
- Created Film Poster for Director Shekhar Kapur's Bandit Queen, Directors' Fortnight Section Cannes International Film Festival, France
1995 – 1994
1998
- Started Sama'a with Ina Puri to promote art and artist
2002
- Curated exhibition of Ganesh Haloi for Sama'a, Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
2003
- Curated exhibition of Shakila for Sama'a, Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
- Curated exhibition of Nemai Ghosh for Sama'a, Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
Exhibitions
1961
- Indian Seminar of Art, Ambala, India
1962
- Annual Exhibition, New Delhi Shilpi Chakra, New Delhi, India
- The Six, All India Fine Art & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
- Government College of Art, Ludhiana, India
1969
- One Person Show,Craven Terrace, London, UK
- One Person Show, Percy Hounslow, UK
1970
- Private Gallery, San Sebastian, Spain
1972
- All India Fine arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
- All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
1973
1974
- All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
1975
- 45th Annual All India Art Exhibition, All India Fine Arts & Crfts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
1976
- National Exhibition of Art, New Delhi, India
- Nine Artists, Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, India
1977
- Garhi Prints, Rabindra Bhavan, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, India
- Twenty Artists, Shridharani Gallery, New Delhi, India
- Pictorial Space: A Point of View on Contemporary Indian Art, Curated by Geeta Kapur, Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
- Nine Painters, Natraj Gallery, New Delhi, India
- Two Men Show, Gallery Black Partridge, New Delhi, India
- Contemporary Indian Paintings, Festival of India, London, UK
Bawa, Manjit (Artist). Manjit Bawa, 1973 | Solo Exhibition Invitation | 00858887
1969
- One Person Show,Craven Terrace, London, UK
- One Person Show, Percy Hounslow, UK
1970
- Private Gallery, San Sebastian, Spain
1972
- All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
1973
1974
- All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
1979
- Dhoomimal Art Gallery, New Delhi, India
1980
- Miniature Format, Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
1982
- Art Museum, Washington DC, USA
1984
- Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
1990
- Art Exhibition, Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata, India
- Exhibition of Drawings, Sakshi Art Gallery, Chennai, India
1991
- Exhibition of Drawings, Sakshi Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
1992
- Centre for Contemporary Art, New Delhi, India
1993
- One Person Show, Roopankar Museum, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, India
1994
- Miniature Paintings, Silver Boxes, and Jewellery, conceived and designed by Manjit Bawa, Gallery Espace, New Delhi, India
Bawa, Manjit (Artist). Manjit Bawa, 1973 | Solo Exhibition Invitation | 00858887
1961
- Indian Seminar of Art, Ambala, India
1962
- Annual Exhibition, New Delhi Shilpi Chakra, New Delhi, India
- The Six, All India Fine Art & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
- Government College of Art, Ludhiana, India
1972
- All India Fine arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
1975
- 45th Annual All India Art Exhibition, All India Fine Arts & Crfts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India
1976
- National Exhibition of Art, New Delhi, India
- Nine Artists, Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, India
1977
- Garhi Prints, Rabindra Bhavan, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, India
- Twenty Artists, Shridharani Gallery, New Delhi, India
- Pictorial Space: A Point of View on Contemporary Indian Art, Curated by Geeta Kapur, Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
- Nine Painters, Natraj Gallery, New Delhi, India
- Two Men Show, Gallery Black Partridge, New Delhi, India
- Contemporary Indian Paintings, Festival of India, London, UK
- Indian Art Today, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta Art Museum, Washington DC, USA
- New Group, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
- Gallery 26, Artists Forum, New Delhi, India
- Art India 77, Lalit Kala Gallery, New Delhi, India
1978
- Gallery 26, Artists Forum, New Delhi, India
- Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, India
Chronicled Highlights 30
Manjit Bawa was born in 1941 in Dhuri, Punjab, India.
There has to be a certain freshness and newness in one's art, otherwise it's pointless to pursue it. To be different means doing something you have never done before.
In 1995, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1985), offered in the Contemporary Indian Paintings: From The Chester and Davida Herwitz Charitable Trust by Sotheby's, which concluded on 12 June 1995 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹1,35,418 ($4,312). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
On 20 December 1987, Manjit Bawa made their debut in the Indian public auction market when Man and Tiger was presented as Lot 5 in Contemporary Indian Art (Charity Auction), conducted by Christie's in Mumbai, India. This auction marked the artist's first recorded appearance in the public auction market, establishing the earliest chapter of their auction history.
In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1989), offered in the Modern Indian Art: Summer Online Auction by Saffronart, which concluded on 11 May 2006 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹39,73,200 ($88,156). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2008, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1992), offered in the South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 16 September 2008 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹1,69,03,375 ($362,500). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2023, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Krishna) (1992), offered in the Modern Odyssey by Asta Guru, which concluded on 12 December 2023 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹25,11,12,268 ($3,011,660.69). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2007, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1993), offered in the Masterpieces and Museum Quality Series VIII by Osian's, which concluded on 31 January 2007 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹1,32,00,000 ($298,845). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2022, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Devi) (1993), offered in the South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art: Including Works from the Collection of Mahinder and Sharad Tak by Christie's, which concluded on 23 March 2022 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹8,44,76,367.36 ($1,108,800). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 1995, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Heer & The Goat (1995), offered in the Indian Contemporary Paintings: Islamic Works of Art and Indian, Himalaya and South-East Asian Art by Christie's, which concluded on 16 October 1995 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹5,31,760 ($15,508). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 1998, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Nut (1995), offered in the Twentieth Century Indian Art by Christie's, which concluded on 02 June 1998 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹6,44,682 ($15,454). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2023, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Shiva) (1995), offered in the Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art by Sotheby's, which concluded on 24 October 2023 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹18,84,37,792.5 ($2,266,190.18). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2017, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Krishna and Cow) (1998), offered in the South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 13 September 2017 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹4,99,37,794.9 ($780,500). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2010, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1999), offered in the South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 23 March 2010 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹1,97,95,820 ($434,500). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (2000), offered in the Modern Indian Art: Winter Online Auction by Saffronart, which concluded on 07 December 2006 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹11,11,550 ($24,889). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2018, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (2000), offered in the Modern Indian Art by Asta Guru, which concluded on 27 March 2018 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹7,78,86,164 ($1,201,997.06). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2013, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Gaja Lakshmi) (2004), offered in the South Asian Art by Christie's, which concluded on 19 December 2013 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹3,86,25,000 ($619,189). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
In 2023, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Durga) (2004), offered in the South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 22 March 2023 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹16,26,74,820 ($1,980,000). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
As you grow, you realise the need to minimalise and weed out the unnecessary. Focus becomes all important.
In 2009, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Saffronart: Modern and Contemporary Indian Art (December 2009, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2010, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Sotheby's: Indian and Southeast Asian Art (March 2010, New York), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2012, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Art Bull: Emerging, Contemporary, the Masters and the Folks and Tribal Art (November 2012, New York), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2014, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Christie's: South Asian Modern and Contemporary (September 2014, Hong Kong), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2016, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Saffronart: Modern and Contemporary Indian Art (February 2016, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2017, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Sotheby's: Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art (October 2017, New York), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2018, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Bonhams: Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art & Art of Pakistan (October 2018, New York), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2018, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Sotheby's: Boundless India (November 2018, New York), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2021, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Prinseps: Modern Art (July 2021, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2023, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Asta Guru: Modern Odyssey (December 2023, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2026, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Saffronart: Summer Online Auction (June 2026, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
In 2026, an artwork by Manjit Bawa was featured on the cover of Sotheby's: Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art (September 2026, New York), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Economics of Art
Record-high lots17
Public Auction Market (1987–2026) | Select Indicators
Annual Auction Sale Turnover
It aggregates all sales across global auction houses into yearly totals.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
The turnover graph highlights periods of strong growth, moments of market correction, and resilience during downturns. Peaks often align with landmark works coming to public auction, while troughs may indicate reduced supply or weaker demand. Over time, the curve illustrates the overall trajectory of Manjit Bawa’s public auction market presence.
Average Sale Price Per Lot
It smooths out fluctuations caused by the quantity of works offered and focuses on the Average Sale Price level per artwork.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
Rising average sale prices indicate growing collector confidence and a stronger willingness to pay higher amounts per work. Assuming the mix of mediums remains relatively stable over time, the proportion of works on paper typically priced lower than works on canvas adds important context to understanding these market movements.
Square Inch Rate Trend
This allows fair comparisons between smaller works and larger canvases.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
The Square Inch Rate shown in the graph combines various medium types such as canvas, paper, board, and others. Historically, works on canvas and board have broadly commanded higher prices compared to works on paper.
1963
- Sailoz Mukherjee Prize, New Delhi, India
1980
- National Award, Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
1981
- All India Exhibition of Prints and Drawings, Chandigarh, India
1986
- 1st Biennale, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, India
Research Centre
Posts 1
- Tuli Research Centre for India Studies presents All Living Souls - Expressed in the Modern and Contemporary Fine & Popular Indian Arts Curated by Neville Tuli As part of launching the 16th Research Category for India Studies - "The Animal-Human-Nature-Continuum" we present a fascinating exhibition of modern and contemporary Indian fine and popular arts and their expression of the ideas and forms related to the dialogue between animals and humans, and the larger cosmic and spiritual thoughts which abide therein. Please visit the Exhibition and see the artworks by modern and contemporary masters such as Rabindranath Tagore, D.P. Roy Chowdhury, M.F. Husain, J. Swaminathan, J. Sultan Ali, Somnath Hore, Ganesh Pyne, Manjit Bawa, K. Laxma Goud, Krishna Reddy, Jyoti Bhatt, Rekha Rodwittiya, Amit Ambalal, among others, along with vintage and rare prints from the pioneering Indian chromolithographic presses such as Chitrashala, Ravi Varma, Calcutta Art Studio, Chore Bagan & Kansaripara.
Related
51
Personalities
34
Institutions
15
Themes
1
