about mapin's journey

Mapin Publishing was founded in 1985 by danseuse Mallika Sarabhai and Bipin Shah with a single defining purpose: to tell India's story in India's own voice. At a time when nearly every serious book on Indian art and culture was being written by outsiders, Mapin set out to change that, producing illustrated books of the highest quality that celebrated the beauty, depth and continuity of Indian tradition.

42 years and nearly 400 titles later, that mission remains unchanged. Our catalogue spans fine art, architecture, archaeology, crafts, design, photography, performing arts and museum collections.

Mapin has defined quality illustrated book publishing in India. Our editors, designers and production teams work to exacting standards, collaborating closely with authors and photographers to ensure every book does justice to its subject. We have worked with leading international publishers, major university presses and renowned museums across the world.

Mapin's books are held in university libraries, museum collections and private hands across the world. We distribute through 50 sales representatives globally and participate in major international book fairs including Frankfurt, London and New York.

We have always believed that India's living culture deserves to be documented with the care and craft it embodies. That belief is in every book we make.