Jaipur
Eminent artist Chandrashekhar Sain, a senior and distinguished terracotta and visual artist from Rajasthan, has achieved another significant milestone in the field of contemporary Indian art. His outstanding terracotta artwork, “*My Entire World–I*,” has been selected for the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi National Akademi Award under the 65th National Exhibition of Art (2026). The award is regarded as one of India’s most prestigious national honours in the field of visual arts.
This year, Chandra Shekhar Sain is the only artist from Rajasthan to be selected for this national honour. His name appears at the top of the award list, making the achievement a matter of great pride for Rajasthan and for the field of Indian terracotta art. The honour recognises his continued experimentation, original artistic vision, and commitment to presenting India’s rich artistic traditions in a contemporary context.
*A Dedication to His Sources of Inspiration*
Chandra Shekhar Sain has dedicated this national honour to three distinguished personalities who have played an important role in his life and artistic journey:
* Late Shri Alok , a senior IAS officer of the 1993 Rajasthan cadre;* Eminent senior sculptor and artist Himmat Shah; and* Narayan Bareth ,former senior BBC journalist and former Information Commissioner of Rajasthan.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Sain said that their affection, guidance, encouragement, and faith in his work have remained a constant source of inspiration throughout his artistic journey.
Academic Qualifications and Administrative Experience
Doctorate (Ph.D.): Dr. Sain holds a doctorate in Terracotta from African Moon University, USA.
Academic and Institutional Service: He has also served as a member of the Finance Committee and as Treasurer of the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi.
Historic Contribution to the Art World and International Art Camp
International Art Camp, Kota (2007): In 2007, Dr. Chandrashekhar Sain actively participated in an international art camp organised in Kota. During the camp, artworks valued at approximately ₹5–7 crore were created, which he subsequently donated to the Government through the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi. This contribution is regarded as one of his significant and inspiring contributions to the art world.
From the Soil of Rajasthan to National and International Recognition
Mr. Sain has expanded terracotta beyond its traditional identity as a craft and developed it into a powerful and contemporary visual language. His works reflect a deep engagement with Rajasthan’s folk and archaeological traditions, particularly Kalibangan and Molela, as well as the broader traditions of Indian sculpture, interpreted through a modern artistic sensibility.
The recurring themes in his artworks include memory, nature, organic forms, birds, animals, seeds, trees, and the inner world of human beings.
Major Achievements and Honours
* National Award: Lalit Kala Akademi National Akademi Award, 65th National Exhibition of Art (2026)* State Award: Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi State Art Award (2014)* Fellowships and Research: CCRT Junior Fellowship and CSIR-UGC Junior Research Fellowship for research on Rajasthan’s terracotta traditions* Major Exhibitions: More than 10 solo exhibitions across India and participation in national exhibitions organised by Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi* International Recognition: Special exhibition and lecture at Casa de la India, Valladolid, Spain, through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
Looking Ahead
Following this national recognition, Eminent Artist Chandra Shekhar Sain said that the achievement is not merely a personal milestone in his artistic journey, but also a recognition of Rajasthan’s soil, culture, and rich terracotta heritage on the national and international stage.
The honour will further inspire him to explore new possibilities in Indian terracotta art and to strengthen the presence of Rajasthan’s rich artistic heritage at both national and international platforms.
About Artwork
The title “My Entire World” means “my whole world” or “my complete universe.” In my artwork “My Entire World – I,” I have tried to express not just my personal world, but a larger, interconnected universe shaped by nature, the living world, memories, imagination, and the inner world of human beings.
