Traditional Indian Art Takes Centre Stage at Lalita Kapilavai’s Kalaprayanam Exhibition in Hyderabad

Curated by Padma Shri awardee Dr. Vijay Sharma, the three day exhibition at the State Art Gallery features Pahari, Pichwai, Mysore and Tanjore paintings. The exhibition opened on October 24 and offers free public entry on October 25 and 26.

Artist Lalita Kapilavai opened her three day painting exhibition, Kalaprayanam: A Journey Through Art, Enduring Traditions and Self Discovery, at the State Art Gallery in Hyderabad on Saturday.
The exhibition brings together works representing four traditional Indian painting styles: Pahari, Pichwai, Mysore and Tanjore. Through these paintings, Kapilavai presents her exploration of regional artistic traditions and the techniques she has developed during her artistic journey.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Carnatic musician Dr. Kosuru Seshu Latha, Dr. Raj N. Phani, Founder of Zaggle, and calligraphy artist Sri Parameshwar Raju.

The exhibition has been curated by Padma Shri awardee Dr. Vijay Sharma, a Pahari miniature painting artist from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.
Kapilavai has been studying Pahari painting under Dr. Sharma’s guidance, learning its techniques and finer artistic details.
Her paintings include works inspired by the Guler and Kangra schools, which developed within the Pahari painting tradition following the Basohli style.
These regional schools form an important part of the exhibition, reflecting Kapilavai’s interest in the artistic methods and visual characteristics associated with Pahari miniature painting.

Alongside the Pahari works, visitors can view paintings representing Pichwai, Mysore and Tanjore traditions.
Each style has its own artistic features, including differences in technique, colour and subject matter.
The collection brings these traditions together within a single exhibition, allowing visitors to observe the range of approaches used in traditional Indian painting.
Kapilavai’s interest in the arts began during childhood, when she developed an appreciation for both music and painting.
Over the years, she has studied and practised different painting styles, incorporating their distinctive characteristics into her work.
The title Kalaprayanam reflects this continuing artistic journey, bringing together her personal development and engagement with established painting traditions.

Speaking at the inauguration, Lalita Kapilavai said, “Traditional art forms are not just part of our past. They continue to be practised and passed on from one generation to another. Through this exhibition, I wanted people to experience these traditions and understand the skill and dedication involved in creating these paintings.”
She also described the exhibition as a reflection of her experiences as an artist and the influence that different regional painting traditions have had on her work.
The exhibition places particular attention on the continued practice of traditional painting techniques and the role of artistic learning in passing these methods between generations.
Dr. Vijay Sharma’s involvement as curator also connects the exhibition with the practice and teaching of Pahari miniature painting.
Through the displayed works, visitors have an opportunity to examine the visual characteristics of different Indian painting traditions and the craftsmanship involved in their creation.
Kalaprayanam will remain open to the public on October 25 and 26, 2026, from 11 am to 7 pm at the State Art Gallery, Hyderabad.
Entry to the exhibition is free.

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