DAG Partners with Goa Tourism to Open the Largest Exhibition of Indian Company Paintings at Aguad Port & Jail Complex

Published on December 15, 2025

DAG, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, unveils the largest exhibition of its kind in India, A Treasury of Life: Indian Company Paintings, c. 1790 to 1835, at Aguad Port & Jail Complex, Goa. The exhibition, running from 2 December 2025 to 14 January 2026, presents over 200 masterpieces that provide an unparalleled glimpse into the rich artistic tradition of Company Paintings — a remarkable, yet often overlooked, genre in Indian art history.

Curated by Giles Tillotson, Senior Vice President of DAG, this exhibition is a tribute to the untold stories of Indian artists commissioned by the East India Company in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. For the first time in India, the public will have access to this comprehensive display of works, which highlight the brilliance of Indian painters who blended Indian heritage with Western artistic influences. Through these captivating paintings, DAG opens a new chapter in the history of Indian art.

A Treasure Trove of Indian Art History: Celebrating the Masters of Company Paintings

In the words of Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, “A Treasury of Life brings to Goa an extraordinary era of Indian artistic brilliance that deserves national and global attention. Hosting this landmark exhibition reinforces our commitment to elevating Goa as a centre for meaningful, heritage-driven experiences.” The exhibition’s opening also highlights Goa’s growing role as a host for cultural collaborations of the highest calibre, further enriching the state’s artistic offerings.

A Treasury of Life seeks to elevate Company Paintings from the margins of Indian art history. Traditionally overshadowed by classical and modern art movements, this genre occupies a crucial space as a prelude to Indian modernism. The exhibition presents an in-depth exploration of three primary categories:

1. Natural History: These paintings, often created with meticulous scientific precision, depict India’s flora and fauna, many of which are now endangered or extinct.
2. Architecture: The exhibition also showcases works capturing the grandeur of India’s historic sites and cityscapes, blending Indian and European artistic techniques.
3. Indian Customs and Culture: Indian artists documented social life through vivid portrayals of traders, artisans, religious figures, and sacred idols, offering a snapshot of India’s culture at the time.

Through these three categories, visitors will witness how Indian artists engaged with changing patronage, utilizing new techniques to meet the demands of the East India Company, creating works that were not only stunning in their artistic value but also important historical records.

The Importance of Preserving and Celebrating Company Paintings

DAG’s commitment to bringing Company Paintings to the forefront is a continuation of its efforts to highlight this art form, starting with the 2019 Forgotten Masters exhibition in the UK at the Wallace Collection, followed by the Birds of India exhibition across multiple Indian cities. Ashish Anand, CEO and Managing Director of DAG, emphasized, “We are delighted to present A Treasury of Life, showcasing Company Paintings, an often neglected genre. This exhibition expands our efforts to highlight the role of Company Paintings in the evolution of Indian art.”

The paintings on display also serve as vital historical documents of the time, offering rare glimpses into India’s natural environment and the diverse ecosystems that have since changed dramatically due to urbanization and environmental degradation. These works document a time when the subcontinent’s flora, fauna, and architectural heritage were still largely intact, providing a valuable visual record for future generations.

A Cultural Milestone for Goa: Tourism and Heritage

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of the Department of Tourism, remarked, “This exhibition is a significant addition to Goa’s cultural calendar and strengthens our efforts to promote meaningful tourism rooted in heritage and learning. Bringing an exceptional collection of Company Paintings to Aguad is part of our strategy to create opportunities for visitors to experience art as a powerful storyteller of India’s past.”

The Department of Tourism’s collaboration with DAG underscores the growing importance of Goa as a cultural hub, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to connect with India’s artistic and historical legacy.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, added, “A Treasury of Life contributes meaningfully to Goa’s cultural environment and offers visitors an enriching artistic experience. Initiatives like this encourage deeper engagement with heritage, adding value to the way people explore and connect with Goa.”

A Historic Venue: Aguad Port & Jail Complex

The Aguad Port & Jail Complex serves as an evocative backdrop for this exceptional exhibition, blending the historical significance of the location with the artistic splendor of the paintings. Shri Savio Mathias, VP of Operations and Business Development at the Aguad Port and Jail Complex, stated, “The launch of A Treasury of Life at Aguad was a truly meaningful occasion for us. Bringing an exhibition of this calibre reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving Goa’s cultural heritage while fostering artistic expression.”

Exhibition Details

• Exhibition Name: A Treasury of Life: Indian Company Paintings, c. 1790 to 1835
• Dates: 2 December 2025 – 14 January 2026
• Venue: Aguad Port & Jail Complex, Goa
• Curator: Giles Tillotson, Senior Vice President, DAG
• Highlights: 200+ works showcasing Company Paintings, blending Indian heritage with Western influences