The UK government has stepped in to prevent a unique collection of vibrant Hindu paintings from leaving the country, placing a temporary export bar on the 200-year-old artworks.
A Priceless Cultural Treasure
The Devi Mahatmya series, valued at £280,000, consists of 56 individual paintings that vividly illustrate the narrative of Hinduism's Divine Mother. According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the nearly complete series uses gold and silver paint to depict scenes ranging from serene worship to intense cosmic battles.
A DCMS spokesperson emphasised that the collection offers a highly significant opportunity for the study of this artistic genre. The export prohibition is designed to provide a UK gallery or institution with a crucial window to acquire the works for the nation.
A Unique Artistic Narrative
Among the collection's most remarkable features is a painting believed to be unique, showing the defeated gods Vishnu and Shiva appealing for assistance. The series is a powerful depiction of one of Hinduism's most crucial texts.
The government's decision, announced on Saturday 22 November 2025, follows the formal advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA). The committee noted there are no other comparable series surviving in the UK, making this set irreplaceable.
Connecting Culture and Community
The paintings serve as a poignant reminder of the cultural connection between the UK and the Punjab region. With more than a million Hindus residing in the UK, the artworks present a vital opportunity for their culture to be both deeply researched and widely celebrated.
Culture Minister Baroness Twycross stated: "This series is not only beautiful, but unique in the UK. With no other near-complete similar narratives existing in our country, it’s vitally important we take the chance now to keep this series in the UK and allow researchers crucial time to unlock its secrets."
RCEWA committee member Pippa Shirley described the paintings as "jewel-like," where an epic unfolds before our eyes. She highlighted their role as prompts for storytelling and recitations of Sanskrit hymns at events like weddings, noting they are a powerful statement of divine female power that should remain in the UK for the public to enjoy and scholars to study.
