The works of India’s most successful artists registered record sales of Rs 310 crore, marking a moderate 3% year-on-year growth, as per Hurun India Art List 2025. 78% of featured artists witnessed an increase in cumulative sales value.

As per Hurun, New Delhi is the preferred residence for most of India’s top artists, solidifying its status as the country’s premier hub for art and creativity.

The total number of lots sold this year was 995, a 26% increase over the previous year, which registered 789 lot sales. The collective lots sold by the top 10 artists constituted a substantial 58% of the total art lots sold, said the report.

Interestingly, eleven artists on list witnessed over a 100% increase in cumulative sales value.

“The Hurun India Art List 2025 signals a defining moment for Indian art on the global stage. With three new entrants in the Top 10 and Anish Kapoor reclaiming his position as India’s most successful artist, the market continues to reward creative excellence with commercial success. Auction sales of INR 310 crore reflect the rising appeal of Indian art as a cultural force of global relevance,” said Anas Rahman Junaid, Founder and Chief Researcher of Hurun Report India.



The Top 10 in the Hurun India Art List 2025

Anish Kapoor

London-based sculptor Anish Kapoor, aged 71, has once again secured the top position on the Hurun India Art List 2025 despite a decrease of 46% in Turnover, marking his seventh consecutive year as the leader. His sustained achievement is largely due to the robust sales of his artworks at public auctions, which amounted to INR 43.5 Cr. Among his renowned works, "Cloud Gate" remains a significant contributor to his success, consistently earning acclaim and reinforcing Kapoor's status as a prominent contemporary artist. This piece continues to engage audiences globally, affirming his influence in the art world.

Krishen Khanna

At 100 years old, Krishen Khanna, is the oldest artist featured on the Hurun India Art List 2025. He climbs to second place this year, with his collective artwork sales surging to an impressive INR 43.1 Cr, marking a 140% increase compared to the previous year. Originally from New Delhi, Krishen Khanna's artistic journey reflects a self-taught ethos, driven by innate talent and a deep passion for painting. A graduate of England’s Imperial Service College, Khanna has earned significant recognition over the years, including the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011. One of his most notable works, Christ Carrying His Cross, exemplifies his ability to convey profound emotional depth through powerful and evocative imagery.

Sakti Burman

Sakti Burman (90), the renowned contemporary painter and sculptor based in Paris and an alumnus of École des Beaux-Arts, ranks third this year with total artwork sales reaching INR 41.5 Cr—a remarkable 226% increase. Burman’s work beautifully fuses Indian traditions with his experiences as an immigrant in France. His celebrated piece, Sacre-Coeur, blends French symbolism with his vivid, dreamlike style, inviting viewers on a profound cultural journey.

Gulam Mohammed Sheikh

Gulam Mohammed Sheikh (88) drops to fourth spot this year on the Hurun India Art List 2025 with impressive total sales of INR 23.7 Cr. A renowned Indian Asian Modern & Contemporary artist, Sheikh received the Padma Shri in 1983 and Padma Bhushan in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to art. He graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Sheikh's artistic repertoire ranges from handheld paper creations to architecturally inspired masterpieces.

Thota Vaikuntam

Thota Vaikuntam (83) secures the fifth position in the Hurun India Art List 2025 with an impressive turnover of INR 15.5 Cr, marking a 53% increase. A recipient of the National Award for Painting from the Government of India, Vaikuntam is renowned for his vivid portrayals of rural life in Telangana. His art authentically captures everyday scenes through vibrant colours and bold lines, reflecting his deep connection to his cultural heritage and traditions.

Paresh Maity

Paresh Maity (60), a Padma Shri awardee and Master of Fine Arts graduate from the College of Art, New Delhi, claims the sixth spot in the Hurun India Art List 2025 with an impressive turnover of INR 10.6 crore. Renowned for his artistic versatility and innovative approach, Maity’s work spans a diverse range of mediums and styles. His acclaimed piece, Dandi March (2018), skillfully combines realism and abstraction to present a compelling narrative that bridges historical significance with contemporary relevance.

Manu Parekh

Manu Parekh (86) ranked seventh, making a debut in the Top 10 this year. Based in New Delhi, he recorded INR 9.5 Cr in cumulative sales, reflecting a 134% growth. His work, particularly his Banaras series, captures the spiritual and architectural essence of the city through bold, abstract strokes and a rich, expressive colour palette. One of his most celebrated works, "Banaras Landscape", presents the sacred city in all its glory, blending reality with spirituality in a way that resonates deeply with viewers.

Anjolie Ela Menon

Anjolie Ela Menon (85) stands out as the only woman artist in this year’s Hurun India top 10 artists, securing an impressive eighth position. With cumulative sales of INR 8.7 Cr, she has achieved an exceptional 134% growth. Known for her emotive and vibrant works that explore themes of mythology and human emotions, Menon’s unique style continues to captivate collectors. Her entry into the Top 10 ranks highlights her prominent position in the Indian contemporary art scene.

Jogen Chowdhury

Jogen Chowdhury (86) drops to ninth spot on the Hurun India Art List 2025, with total sales reaching INR 8.6 Cr. Among his portfolio, "Her Silver Throne" (2000) is a pinnacle of his artistic achievement in value and expression. Chowdhury's distinct style, characterised by fluid lines and dynamic strokes, captures the essence of his subjects with remarkable depth and sensitivity. His ability to evoke profound emotions and convey the intricacies of human character through his artwork has garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying his position as a revered figure in figurative art.

Laxma Goud

Laxma Goud (85), a distinguished artist from Hyderabad, makes a notable debut in the Top 10 this year, securing the tenth position. Achieving INR 7.8 Cr in cumulative sales, he has experienced a 44% growth. Goud’s mastery in mediums like etching, gouache, and pastel, combined with themes of rural life and eroticism, has solidified his reputation in the Indian contemporary arts