Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel: A Multifaceted Torchbearer of Art, Heritage, and Numismatics from Kalaburagi

Bengaluru: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel, a versatile artist, researcher, cultural ambassador, and seasoned numismatist from Gulbarga, Karnataka, has been a towering figure in the domains of visual arts, photography, and heritage conservation for over three decades. As the founder and president of Ayaz Art Gallery, Museum and Research Center, his life’s work has seamlessly bridged art, history, education, and cultural diplomacy, both in India and abroad.

Legacy of Ayaz Art Gallery, Museum and Research Center: Established over 30 years ago in the historic city of Gulbarga, the Ayaz Art Gallery, Museum and Research Center has emerged as a dynamic platform promoting art, culture, Deccan heritage, history, and education. Under Patel’s visionary leadership, the gallery not only showcases Deccan monuments through photographs and paintings but also supports senior and emerging artists, researchers, and students through workshops, exhibitions, and heritage awareness programs. Art Gallery, Museum and Research Center

One-of-a-kind educational hub and a significant cultural institution: This trust holds an impressive collection of photographs, paintings, historical documents, antique books, stamp papers, world flags, medals, rare coins, and currencies—spanning from 2nd-century Satavahana coins to modern Indian currency. It has become a one-of-a-kind educational hub and a significant cultural institution in Karnataka.

Collections in Prestigious Institutions: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel’s paintings and photographic works have been acquired by numerous public and private collections both in India and internationally. In India, his works are preserved by:

Karnataka Lalithakala Academy, Bangalore, Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata, Archaeology Museum, Bangalore, Heritage Department, Mysore, Tourism & Archaeology Departments, Gulbarga, Trident Art Walk Gallery, Hotel Oberoi, Mumbai, South Central Railway, Gulbarga, Mini Vidhan Soudha, Gulbarga, Urdu Department, Gulbarga University, Hyderabad Karnataka Development Board, Karnataka Urdu Academy, Bangalore, Dr S.M. Pandit Zilla Rang Mandir, Gulbarga, Siddhalinga Fine Art Society Bijapur, Rotary Club of Gulbarga North, Chamber of Commerce, Gulbarga and Dept. of Archaeology, Museums & Heritage, Mysuru.

His works also feature in numerous private collections, including those of notable personalities and corporations in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Chandigarh.

International Presence and Cultural Diplomacy: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel’s contributions have reached far beyond Indian borders. His art and photography have found homes in private and institutional collections across:

Jordan (Culture Center & Ras Al Ain Art Gallery, Amman)

Kosovo (Municipality of Suhareka - Dept. of Culture)

United States (New York, New Jersey, New Mexico Archaeology Museum, California)

United Arab Emirates (Sharjah Expo Centre, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah)

Egypt (Indian Embassy Cairo, Maulana Azad Centre for Culture)

France, Turkey, Kenya, Lebanon, England, Australia, Madagascar, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and South Africa

He has worked as a graphic designer at Al Saikh Screen Graphic Co., Sharjah, and the University Printing Press, Ajman, along with freelance projects across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Fujairah.

Leadership & Event Organization: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel has played key roles as convener and committee member in several prestigious national and regional art and cultural events:

2023: Convener, India-Russia Cultural Exchange Program, Gulbarga

2022 & 2021: Convener, 1st State-Level Islamic Painting Exhibition, Gulbarga

2022: Convener, 36th State Journalists' Conference, Gulbarga

2020: Member, 85th Akhil Bharat Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Gulbarga

2015 & 2014: Organizing Committee Member, Chitrasanthe, Gulbarga

2011: Organizer, Gulbarga Utsav

1998: Convener, World Photography Day, Gulbarga District Photography Association

2012: Convener, Group Photography Exhibition, Chamber of Commerce, Gulbarga

Numismatics and Currency Collection: A passionate numismatist, Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel boasts a rare and extensive collection of coins and paper currency from over 275 countries, including historical Indian coinage dating back to the 2nd century Satavahana period. His dedication to this field has been demonstrated through various solo exhibitions, including:

2022: Coin & Currency Exhibitions at Central Mall (Vyapar Utsav), Bidar Arts College, Ambedkar Hall Gulbarga, and several schools in Gulbarga

2006: Exhibition at Government Primary School, Kapnur

These exhibitions have served as educational platforms for students, collectors, and heritage enthusiasts alike.

Publications and Authorship: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel is the author of two significant publications:

“Monuments of Gulbarga” (2011) – Released by Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism Subodh Kant Sahay and Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa during the Gulbarga Utsav

“Gulbarga – The City of Domes” (2016) – A tourist brochure released by State Minister Dr. Qamar ul Islam

These works are widely recognized as valuable contributions to the documentation and promotion of Deccan heritage.

Publications underway: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel has also been working on two more books. They are: 

ayaz eyewitness monuments of 

      FIROZABAD 

and 

Devvan Sultanate Coinage

Bahamani's, Adil Shahi, Nizam Shashi, Qutb Shashi, Imad Shashi, Barid Shashi and Asaf Jahi

748-1098 AH- 1347-1687 AD and 1724 to 1948

Filmmaking: Documentaries on Art and History: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel has directed numerous artist profiles and historical documentary films, including:

Artist Documentaries on Dr. J.S. Khanderao, A.S. Patil, M.Y. Ghorpade, Sondur, Shankargouda Bettadur, S.S. Munnali (Hyderabad), Parote Painter (Gulbarga), Mugli (Humnabad), Malkari (Raichur) and

historical documentaries on Gulbarga Monuments, Ferozabad Bahmani Fort & Monuments, Holkunda Fort, Kalgi & Jalsangvi Chalukya Temples, Bidar, Malkhed, Shahabad Monuments, Bhosnoor Village (Tq. Aland), Bijapur Monuments, Golkonda & Qutub Shahi Sites, Sannati Buddhist Stupas, Yusuf Adil Shahi and Bahmani Jama Masjids, Sagar Nadu, Shahpur, Yadrami, and Narayanpur temples.

These films document and preserve the legacy of the Deccan’s Islamic, Chalukyan, and Bahmani architectural heritage, ensuring it is accessible to future generations.

Need for a documentary on Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel: At the present juncture, there is an urgent need to make a documentary on Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel's achievements and contributions to the fields of visual arts, photography, heritage conservation, art, history, education, and cultural diplomacy, both in India and abroad.

National Awards from the Government of India: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel has been presented with a number of district, state, national and international awards and the evergrowing list looks endless. The prominent reputed ones are the following ones:

* 55th National Award from National Lalit Kala Akademy by the Government of India in 2014.
*28th National Award for Digital Painting, South Central Zone Cultural Centre Nagpur, Ministry of Culture, Government of India in 2015.
*4th National Award for Photography, South Central Zone Cultural Centre Nagpur, Ministry of Culture, Government of India in 1990.

Fellowship Award of Government of India: Senior Fellowship Award, Ministry of Culture, Government of India in 2018.

Fellowship Award of Government of Karnataka: Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy Award, Government of Karnataka in 2016.

Visited 39 countries for 22 Solo and 55 Group Exhibitions: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel's accomplishments are amazing going by the overcrowded feathers in his cap. His Ayaz Art Gallery and Numismatic Art and Photo Heritage Trust in Kalaburagi has evolved into another tourist spot for all enthusiasts of art and culture. He has so far visited 39 countries including Albania, America, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Dubai, Egypt, Europe, Russia and many a other for solo and group exhibitions and other art promotional activities. He has so far done 22 solo exhibitions and participated in 55 group exhibitions while many more are on the way.

A custodian of Deccan heritage and a mentor to the next generation of artists and researchers: Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel exemplifies dedication to art, heritage conservation, education, and cross-cultural dialogue. His multifaceted contributions—ranging from curating exhibitions and directing documentaries to collecting coins and writing books—make him a beacon in the Indian and international cultural landscapes. Through tireless efforts, he continues to serve as a custodian of Deccan heritage and a mentor to the next generation of artists and researchers.

Contact Details
Permanent Address:
Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel
House Number 5-604, Bada Roza,
Near Roza Police Station,
Gulbarga - 585104, Karnataka, India

Mobile: +91 9448902617, +91 8217518159
Email: ayazstudio@yahoo.com / ayazuddinpatel123@gmail.com