The Indian Portrait

An online museum on the fascinating journey of Indian Portraits
from the collection of Anil Relia

Ardesar Kaikobad Modi

Ardesar Kaikobad Modi (born 1887) A.M.I.E., (Ind.), (Eng.), L.M.E., A.I.E.E., Chartered Engineer by M. F. Pithawala (1872-1937) circa 1930 Oil on canvas 57 x 35.5 in. (145 x 90 cm.) He was an electrical and mechanical engineer and opened his firm, Pioneering Electric Company in Bombay. He was a patentee in India and England for […]

Dosabhoy Bejomjee Kharas, B. A.

Dosabhoy Bejomjee Kharas, B. A. (1867-1931) A Bombay educationist by Unknown artist circa 1920 Oil on canvas 26.5 x 22 in. (67.3 x 56 cm.) He became proprietor and principal of a high school situated at Gowalia Tank road, and soon found himself very popular with his students. After his death, the school was run […]

Mr. Cawasjee Jehangir Pestonjee Banajee

Mr. Cawasjee Jehangir Pestonjee Banajee A well-known textile engineer by follower of Raja Ravi Varma circa 1910 Oil on canvas 26 x 20 in. (66 x 50.8 cm.) He was a well-known textile engineer who worked as an apprentice at the Empress Mills in 1900 for almost 20 years, earning himself a good reputation. He […]

Khan Bahadur Bejonjee Merwanjee Damri

Khan Bahadur Bejonjee Merwanjee Damri (1843-1919) The grand old man of Kathiawar attributed to Raja Ravi Varma circa 1900 Oil on canvas 23.6 x 18 in. (59 x 45.5 cm.) His family had migrated to Kathiawar in 1825. Despite not having college education, he joined Government service in 1863 and was later appointed as Karbhari […]

Unidentified Parsi girl

Unidentified Parsi girl by Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) circa 1890 Oil on canvas 18 x 14 in. (47.7 x 35.6 cm.) Varma was known to paint a lot of Parsi children and record the realism of their affluent life. This portrait is impressive for the depth of skin coloured tones used. It brings out the […]

Mr. Nowroji Dorabji Dittia

Mr. Nowroji Dorabji Dittia (1860-1926) Dramatist, actor and one of the founders of Indian Theatre by ACA Hosain dated 19-3-1893 Oil colour on photograph 15.5 x 11.3 in. (39.4 x 28.6 cm.) The surname “Dittia” was adopted under peculiar circumstances after an incident and also followed by his descendants. Belonging from a shipbuilders family, Nowroji […]

Bai Pirojbai Framji Dossabhai Mama

Bai Pirojbai Framji Dossabhai Mama by ACA Hosain dated 1886 Oil colour on photograph 36 x 24 in. (91.4 x 61 cm.) She was the grand daughter of the well-known Seth Jeejeebhai Dadabhai. She worked selecting and supplying for the dressing material for the J. N. Petit Parsi Boys’ Orphanage for the rest of her […]

Ratanbai Rustomji Dalal

Ratanbai Rustomji Dalal by Muncharam M., Surat dated 01-02-1867 Oil on canvas 23.6 x 19.7 in. (60 x 50 cm.)

Rustomji Pujyaji Dalal

Rustomji Pujyaji Dalal by Muncharam M., Surat dated 14-07-1867 Oil on canvas 27.2 x 20 in. (69 x 51 cm.)

Bai Rudimai Vicaji Meherji

Bai Rudimai Vicaji Meherji (1783-1882) The late venerable Parsi lady by Perojsha Hormasjee circa 1860 Oil on canvas 31.5 x 25.3 in. (80 x 64 cm.) Her name Rudimai (good mother) most aptly and completely indicates her angelic and sublime character. She remained the same old venerable personage she was, loving simplicity and carrying out […]