175-year-old Indian Arts Palace in Connaught Place is more than just a vestige of an older bowery
Engaging with museums, artists, royalty and buyers from around the world, Indian Arts Palace (IAP) – a family heritage since over 150 year is one of the oldest Indian antique shops with a showroom cum art gallery in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
They have been collecting & showcasing unique and rare pieces of exquisite Indian craftsmanship for generations. They are dealing in fine works of traditional Indian art in Silver (articles & jewellery), Gold (jewellery), Miniature Paintings, Modern & Contemporary Paintings and other collectibles like lithographs, oleographs, carvings etc.
A privately owned family business with its showroom cum art gallery in Connaught Place (Delhi), where it has been since the early 1940s. Previous to this, the showroom was in Kashmere Gate, and in Chandni Chowk before that. Established in the mid-late 1800s by the Late Shri Surajlal ji Backliwal, we are the oldest antique shop in India. It’s the only art gallery in Connaught Place of its kind.
Founded by Surajlalji Backliwal in the mid-1800s at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, later IAP was shifted to Kashmere Gate, where it remained till the 1950s. In the early 1940s, the IAP expanded by opening a second showroom at Oberoi Maidens in Civil Lines. However, within a few months, it was shifted to Connaught Place.
Mr. Arun Backliwal & sons (The 4th & 5th generation after Shri Surajlal Ji) continue this long tradition of our ancestral firm, Indian Arts Palace, as one of the most respected dealers in traditional Indian art.
In the early 1900s, the IAP entered into a collaboration with Hungarian art dealer Imre Schwaiger. The partnership thrived as Imre had strong connections with aristocrats and overseas buyers, which helped IAP build an extensive sourcing network. Together, they engaged with renowned jewellers, museums, royalty and wealthy buyers from around the world.
Patrons have a rendezvous with the past upon entering IAP as Portraits of the Maharaja of Nepal and the Maharaja of Khetri is a treat to weary eyes. Arun Backliwal’s son Gaurav, an engineer from IIT Delhi, paid heed to his calling for art over technology to continue his family’s legacy.
