the collector's folio

Gopal Most Popular Paintings

The 2 artworks by Gopal our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 2 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Gopal · 1923 – 2002

Gopal, Portrait of Thakur Bhoj Raj Singh (1874)

1874 · Victoria and Albert Museum, London

View the most popular artwork of Gopal ranked #1: Portrait of Thakur Bhoj Raj Singh

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 2 artworks by Gopal
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Composition by Gopal, 2005

2005 · Cholamandal Artists' Village, Chennai

Explore Sarvepalli Gopal’s ‘Composition,’ a bronze sculpture of intertwined figures showcasing textured abstraction & evocative form. An impactful piece reflecting Indian art & spirituality.

View the most popular artwork of Gopal ranked #2: Composition

Art Movement: Abstract Expressionism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 2 artworks by Gopal
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$23129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Gopal

1923 – 2002

Quick facts

Lifespan79 years
Art periodModern
Museums on APSVictoria and Albert Museum, Cholamandal Artists' Village
Works on APS2
Born1923, Chennai, India
Also known asSarvepalli Gopal, ゴーパール

Biography

Sarvepalli Gopal: A Life Dedicated to History and Advocacy

Born: April 23, 1923, Chennai, India
Died: April 20, 2002
Parents: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (first Vice-President and second President of India), Sivakamu
Education: Mill Hill School (London), Madras Christian College, Balliol College, Oxford (PhD)

Early Life, Education, and Influences

Gopal was born into a prominent family, the son of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned philosopher and statesman. This upbringing significantly shaped his intellectual development and instilled in him a deep appreciation for education and public service.
His education at Mill Hill School and later at Balliol College, Oxford, provided him with a strong foundation in history and critical thinking. He earned his PhD on the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon, demonstrating an early interest in British colonial policies in India.
He was deeply influenced by Jawaharlal Nehru's vision for India and shared his commitment to democracy and secularism. This influence is evident throughout his historical work and advocacy efforts.

Career and Major Works

Early Career: Gopal served as a Director in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, during the 1950s, working closely with Jawaharlal Nehru. This experience provided him with firsthand insights into Indian politics and international relations.
Academic Positions: He held positions at St Antony's College, Oxford, before returning to India in 1970 to join the newly established Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). At JNU, he played a crucial role in shaping the Centre for Historical Studies.
Key Publications:

Radhakrishnan: A Biography – A comprehensive and insightful account of his father's life and philosophical contributions.
Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography – A three-volume biography considered a definitive work on Nehru’s life, political career, and legacy.
British Policies in India 1858-1905 - An empirically rich study unraveling the nuances of colonial policies in India using both official documents and private papers.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Contribution to Historical Scholarship: Gopal is recognized for his meticulous research, insightful analysis, and balanced perspective on Indian history. His biographies are considered essential reading for understanding key figures in modern India.
Advocacy for Democracy and Secularism: Throughout his life, Gopal was a staunch advocate for democratic values and secular principles. He consistently spoke out against authoritarian tendencies and championed the rights of minorities.
Influence on Jawaharlal Nehru University: His role in establishing and shaping the Centre for Historical Studies at JNU had a lasting impact on Indian historical scholarship, fostering a new generation of historians committed to critical inquiry and intellectual independence.
Padma Vibhushan Award: He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 1999, recognizing his significant contributions to history and public life.

Artistic Interests

While primarily a historian, Gopal demonstrated an appreciation for art and culture.
He referenced artists like Giotto di Bondone in his writings, showcasing his broader intellectual curiosity.
His association with institutions such as the National Museum in Kraków highlights his interest in preserving and understanding artistic heritage.

Questions & Answers

What are the birthplace and birth year of Gopal?

Gopal was born in Chennai in 1923.

Where can I see the color profile of Gopal's work?

The Palette Genome of Gopal is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

How is Gopal's career divided into periods?

A chronological account of Gopal's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.

By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 4, 2026

Collector's quiz

Sarvepalli Gopal was the son of which prominent Indian figure?
Where did Sarvepalli Gopal pursue his PhD?
What was a significant area of focus in Gopal's historical research?
Besides being a historian, Gopal showed an appreciation for art. Which artist’s work did he reference?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Gopal

Every artwork by Gopal in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Gopal