**Rediscovered Masterpiece: MF Husain's 'Gram Yatra' Breaks Indian Art Records**

An oil-on-canvas mural brings attention to Indian modernism and the artist's legacy.

A forgotten artwork by renowned Indian painter MF Husain has recently emerged from obscurity to make headlines, achieving an extraordinary record price at auction. The mural, titled Untitled (Gram Yatra), sold for a staggering $13.8 million (£10.6 million) at Christie's New York, shattering the previous record for Indian art, which was held at $7.4 million (£5.7 million) by Amrita Sher-Gil's The Story Teller earlier this year.

Husain, a pivotal figure in Indian modernism who passed away in 2011, had his work largely overlooked for decades. Gram Yatra, composed in 1954, is a sprawling 14-foot mural that illustrates the vibrancy of Indian village life through 13 engaging vignettes. Each frame encapsulates a slice of rural existence, depicted with Husain’s signature blend of folk traditions and modernist styles. The painting's subjects include everyday activities such as cooking, farming, and communal life, all rendered in rich, earthy colors.

The artwork was acquired for just $295 by Ukrainian doctor Leon Elias Volodarsky during a World Health Organization mission and spent almost half a century hanging in Oslo University Hospital, largely forgotten by the art community. Its rediscovery began in 2013, two years after Husain's death, when Christie's took notice and orchestrated various exhibitions leading to the remarkable auction this past week.

Art experts have asserted that this milestone will not only enhance the perception of Husain's work but will also shift how Indian art is conceptualized in financial terms, elevating it from mere aesthetics to an asset class worthy of serious investment. "If there's an artwork that defines modern South Asian art, this is it," remarked Nishad Avari, head of South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie's.

The significance of Gram Yatra extends beyond its financial value; it also encapsulates Husain’s deep-rooted connection to the cultural fabric of India, reflecting the ethos of a nation rich in tradition and diverse in expression. The buzz surrounding the sale has reignited interest in Husain’s work, suggesting a promising resurgence for Indian art in the global arena.