South Asian modern art is entering a powerful new phase, with auction sales surpassing $100 million last year and major houses giving the category greater visibility in London. But alongside this momentum, dealers say authenticity checks are becoming more important than ever.
As prices rise for artists such as S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain and Sadequain, forgery attempts are also increasing. Mumbai dealer Dadiba Pundole estimates that a notable share of privately sold modern works in India may be inauthentic, reflecting how stronger demand can attract imitation.
The trend is not limited to one country. In Pakistan, Lahore-based artist and academic Salima Hashmi says forged modern works continue to circulate through digital channels, while specialists note that the market for Sadequain has already felt the effect of questionable pieces.
Experts say today's fakes are often more sophisticated than earlier versions, making provenance, archives and expert review essential. Sotheby's South Asian Modern and Contemporary department says it rejects works when authenticity remains uncertain, relying on documentation, specialist networks and long experience with the category.
With online sales expanding and collectors buying across borders, the art world is placing greater value on verification systems and archival research. As South Asian art gains global attention, stronger authentication standards may help shape a more transparent and resilient market in the years ahead.
