An exhibition in Mumbai reveals how something as simple as a chair can tell powerful stories about culture, power, and history.
The exhibition, titled “A History of India through Chairs,” features more than 200 historic chairs. These pieces showcase the evolution of seating traditions in India from the pre-colonial era to modern times.
Restoration firm House of Mahendra Doshi organised the event. Curators Anand Gandhi and Chiki Doshi collected the chairs over several decades from different parts of the country. They restored many of them with the help of skilled craftsmen.
The exhibition arranges the chairs in chronological order. Visitors can see how global design movements influenced Indian furniture over the centuries.
Colonial Influence on Indian Furniture
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, several European powers entered India. These included the Dutch, Portuguese, French and British.
According to co-curator Vivek Gandhi, the colonisers brought their own furniture styles with them. They also hired local artisans to replicate European designs using Indian materials.
This practice created a unique blend of Indian and European aesthetics. Many chairs display British or continental designs but feature traditional Indian craftsmanship.
Over time, these historic chairs moved into private homes, estate sales and antique shops. Curators later sourced them and began the long restoration process.
Restoring Historic Chairs
Many chairs arrived in poor condition. Some had broken legs. Others had torn cushions or damaged frames.
The restoration team carefully repaired each piece. The process sometimes took months.
One chair covered in ceramic beads came from an estate sale in Gujarat. Experts spent eight months restoring the delicate design.
Iconic Designs in the Collection
The exhibition also includes a rare lounge chair designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier.
He visited India in the 1950s after an invitation from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to help design the city of Chandigarh.
Another highlight features several 19th-century chairs in the Anglo-Portuguese style from Goa, which was once under Portuguese rule.
The exhibition also celebrates India’s rich hardwood resources. Many chairs use teak, rosewood, and ebony. Skilled artisans carved these materials with remarkable precision.
A Symbol of Power and Craftsmanship
One striking piece is a Carolean-style chair inspired by 15th-century English design. Curators found it in an old furniture shop in India. Craftsmen restored its intricate carvings and gold-thread embroidery.
Another highlight is an imposing Anglo-Indian throne chair made from teakwood. Its burgundy and gold colours give it a regal presence. Throne chairs often symbolised power and authority. Monarchs and religious leaders traditionally used them during ceremonies.
Curators believe British officials in the 19th century may have used similar chairs.
