The UK government has stepped in to prevent a unique set of 56 Hindu paintings from leaving the country, placing a temporary export bar on the culturally significant artworks.
Known as The Devi Mahatmya, the series illustrates the tale of the Divine Mother of Hinduism and is valued at an impressive £280,000. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced the bar on Friday, 21 November 2025.
A National Cultural Opportunity
This intervention is designed to provide a crucial window of opportunity for a UK gallery or museum to acquire the paintings for the nation. A DCMS spokesman emphasised that the near-complete series presents a rare chance for the study of this specific genre of work.
There are no other comparable series surviving in the UK, making this set an irreplaceable artefact. The paintings also serve as a powerful reminder of the cultural connection between the UK and the Punjab region.
The Divine Mother's Epic Tale
Created roughly 200 years ago, the artworks use vibrant colours alongside gold and silver paint to depict one of the most important narratives in Hinduism. The scenes range from serene worship and courtly life to violent battles against demons.
One painting, believed to be unique to this series, shows the defeated gods Vishnu and Shiva appealing for help. Committee member Pippa Shirley described them as 'small, jewel-like paintings' where an epic unfolds, showcasing the Devi in her various manifestations, including the terrifying, multi-armed Kali.
These works were originally used as prompts for storytelling and recitations at events like weddings, making their remarkable completeness highly significant for researchers.
Ensuring a UK Future for the Artworks
The export bar follows the official advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA). Culture Minister Baroness Twycross stated, "This series is not only beautiful, but unique in the UK... it’s vitally important we take the chance now to keep this series in the UK."
With over a million Hindus residing in the UK, the paintings offer a profound opportunity for their culture to be both celebrated and deeply researched. The ultimate goal is for the collection to remain in the country, allowing the public and academics alike to fully understand and appreciate this statement of divine female power.
