Our Story

Indian Arts Palace was started in mid 1800s by Shri Surajlal ji Backliwal with already two generations of experience behind him. We are one of the oldest antique shops in Delhi & India.

antique shops in delhi
Kashmere Gate showroom, c 1920s, Photograph by Homai Vayarwala

The shop was initially started in a premises in Chandni Chowk, the old part of Delhi. Later during British period we moved to Kashmiri Gate which became the main market in Delhi where we remained till the 1950s. Its proximity to Civil Lines, which was where the British lived made it the most prestigious market in Delhi in that time.

Around the early 1900s, Indian Arts Palace, also went into a collaboration with Hungarian Antique Dealer & Horse Breeder Mr. Imre Schwaiger. Together, the partnership blossomed. Where Imre Schwaiger had great connections with the aristocracy and British, Indian Arts Palace had a great sourcing network and together they dealt with many renowned jewellers, museums and buyers from across the world. Of note, is the mention of our firm Indian Arts Palace in the book on Cartier as one of the prominent sources of carved rubies and emeralds from India.

Around the 1940s, Indian Arts Palace also opened another 2nd showroom at Oberoi Maidens (Civil Lines, New Delhi) for a brief period. In the early 1940s, with the completion of Connaught Place, another showroom was started here.

Shri Manick Chandji Backliwal (Left front) with Lady Edwina Mountbatten (wife of last Viceroy of India). Shri Saroop Chandji Backliwal in the Background (Left) at Kashmere Gate Showroom

While Shri Manick Chandji (Son of Shri Surajlal ji) continued to work from Kashmere Gate, his sons started operating from the Connaught Place Showroom, which is where we are still located. Mr. Arun Backliwal & Mr. Gaurav & Vaibhav Backliwal are the 4th & 5th generation continuing this legacy.

Indian Arts Palace continues to be one of the go to destinations for Indian Art Collectors from around the world. Our list of clients include Collectors, Museums, Heads of states, Movie stars, prominent Businessmen etc.

We are one of the most well-known antique shops in Delhi for Indian miniature paintings, having arguably one of the largest collections of any dealers and mentioned in several books by renowned collectors.