Introduction
Exotic India Art is a well-established platform showcasing an extensive collection of Indian art, artifacts, books, textiles, and decorative items. From traditional paintings and sculptures to rare spiritual and Indology books, this site serves as a rich window into India’s artistic and cultural heritage. In this review, we explore the website’s offerings, strengths, user experience, and areas for improvement—with an overall celebratory tone toward its contribution to preserving and promoting Indian art globally.
History & Mission
Founded as an initiative to bring India’s spiritual and artistic legacy to a global audience, Exotic India Art operates from New Delhi, India, with a global reach. They specialize in offering rare books (Indology, spirituality, history), handcrafted sculptures, folk and classical paintings, jewelry, textiles, and décor items.
Their core mission is to preserve traditional art forms and make them accessible across borders. By bridging artisans, scholars, collectors, and seekers, the platform contributes significantly to the dissemination and appreciation of India’s timeless culture.
Extensive Catalog & Product Range
Spiritual & Indology Books
One of their most acclaimed categories is rare books on Indian philosophy, spirituality, and history. These books cater to scholars, collectors, and spiritual seekers who often face difficulty sourcing such works elsewhere. The site features works ranging from classical Sanskrit scriptures to contemporary philosophical commentary, often including rare or out-of-print editions.
Paintings & Folk Art
The platform showcases classical Indian painting styles—Tanjore, Kalamkari, miniature, regional folk art, and more. Whether you’re drawn to devotional depictions of deities or vibrant representations of Indian folklore, there’s a style and subject for every art enthusiast. The attention to detail and use of traditional techniques make these paintings not only decorative but spiritually enriching as well.
Sculptures & Figurines
They offer handcrafted sculptures made from brass, marble, stone, wood, and more. These pieces reflect traditional Indian iconography and are often used for home altars, meditation spaces, or decorative centerpieces. The collection includes depictions of deities such as Ganesha, Lakshmi, Shiva, Buddha, and others, varying in size from small tabletop idols to large statement sculptures.
Textiles, Jewelry & Decor
Traditional saris, salwar-kameez sets, embroidered shawls, gemstone jewelry, and designer home decor items highlight India’s rich textile and craft traditions. The textiles are often handmade or handwoven, featuring regional styles like Banarasi silk, Chikankari embroidery, or Kalamkari prints. Jewelry collections include temple-inspired designs, tribal ornaments, and modern interpretations of ancient styles.
Features That Stand Out
1. Rare & Hard-to-Find Publications
Exotic India is widely praised for making difficult-to-obtain scholarly books and classical texts accessible to a wider audience. Whether it’s a reprint of a historic manuscript or a translated version of an ancient scripture, the site is a goldmine for researchers and students of Indian philosophy, history, and religion.
2. Thoughtful Packaging & Delivery
A consistent highlight among customers is the secure and thoughtful packaging. Many delicate items, such as paintings and sculptures, arrive well-protected, often exceeding expectations in terms of condition and safety. This careful attention to shipping has built a strong sense of trust among repeat buyers.
3. Free Worldwide Shipping
Another attractive feature is the offering of free shipping on many items, regardless of international location. For global buyers, especially those in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Europe, this adds significant value to each purchase.
4. Wide Spiritual Scope
From Hindu scriptures to Buddhist texts and Jain philosophical works, the site offers a breadth of spiritual literature that caters to a wide spectrum of seekers. It’s a unique space where religious, historical, and artistic elements intersect meaningfully.
Customer Service: Mixed Impressions Amid Positive Experiences
Positive Highlights
In many instances, Exotic India customers report positive interactions with support teams, especially during order changes or item replacements. Order modifications have been handled smoothly, and some refunds were issued efficiently. Many customers also note the politeness and knowledge of the staff when interacting via email or phone.
Constructive Feedback
Some customers have reported delays in communication, especially when dealing with support via email or phone. Occasionally, orders were accepted for out-of-stock items, resulting in canceled transactions or substitute offers. In a few cases, refunds were delayed or incomplete, particularly for EMI or credit card payments. Despite these occasional issues, the general consensus remains favorable, with a majority of users praising the site for its unique offerings.
Customer Ratings Summary
| Platform | Overall Rating | Highlights | Noted Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 3.9/5 | Fast delivery, secure packaging, rare book availability | Some delays, refund issues, occasional stock confusion |
| MouthShut | 3.2/5 | Good quality, value for money, artistic selection | Support response time, shipping updates |
Website Usability & Navigation
Layout & Categories
The website is neatly organized into clearly defined categories: Books, Paintings, Sculptures, Jewelry, Textiles, Home Decor, and more. Users can browse by item type or search using specific filters such as style (e.g., Tanjore, folk), region, material, or subject.
Product Presentation
Each item features high-resolution images, detailed descriptions, size dimensions, materials used, weight, and pricing in multiple currencies. The site also provides useful context—like the symbolic meaning of a sculpture or historical background on a painting style.
Checkout & Shipping
The checkout process supports global orders with various payment options. Free shipping is available on many items, and customers can select between standard and express delivery. Overall, the experience is user-friendly, though a few users have reported issues with payment gateways or order updates.
Deep Dive: A Few Representative Products
A History of Art (Set of 2 Volumes)
This rare and comprehensive book set covers centuries of Indian artistic development. It’s ideal for students, scholars, or art lovers wanting to delve into India’s visual culture.
Kriyayoga Sadhan Tatwa (Bengali) by Swami Nityananda Giri
A highly respected spiritual text in Bengali, offering in-depth exploration of yogic philosophy and meditation techniques. A must-have for serious spiritual practitioners.
Maiya Yashoda with Bal Krishna Tanjore Painting
Crafted using real gold leaf and vibrant colors, this framed Tanjore painting reflects the devotional and ornamental beauty that the South Indian art form is known for.
72″ Large Wooden Ten Hands Ganesh Statue
A grand handcrafted sculpture designed for temples or spiritual spaces. Made from solid wood and adorned with intricate carvings, it exemplifies the high level of artistry that Exotic India promotes.
Strengths & Advantages
- Unparalleled Variety & Depth
Exotic India offers an incredibly wide selection of art and spiritual products, making it a one-stop destination for enthusiasts of Indian heritage. - Global Reach & Free Shipping
Their commitment to free or affordable international shipping expands their accessibility and appeal to a worldwide audience. - Artisan-Driven Platform
Many of the products are handcrafted by skilled artisans, meaning every purchase supports traditional craftspeople and local economies. - Spiritual & Scholarly Integrity
The platform emphasizes authenticity—whether it’s a Sanskrit text or a religious statue—which is deeply appreciated by customers seeking spiritual connection.
Areas for Improvement
- Customer Support Responsiveness: Providing faster responses via chat, phone, or email would alleviate concerns about delays or confusion.
- Stock Transparency: Real-time updates on product availability could reduce frustration caused by last-minute cancellations.
- Refund Timeliness: Enhancing refund workflows, especially for EMI and credit transactions, would build greater trust.
- Order Tracking Clarity: Improved tracking updates and automated notifications could help users feel more informed about their purchases.
Real Voices from Customers
Positive Feedback
- “Amazing experience. The item was exactly as described and beautifully packaged.”
- “A rare book I couldn’t find anywhere else—thank you for making this available.”
- “I’ve been ordering for years now—every sculpture has arrived in perfect condition.”
Constructive Comments
- “I wish there was a chat option—email responses took several days.”
- “Product was out of stock but still listed online, causing delay in refund.”
- “Had to follow up multiple times for a status update.”
Despite some challenges, many long-time customers express satisfaction and loyalty toward the platform.
Summary Table
| Category | Highlights | Recommendations for Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Product Variety | Rare books, paintings, sculptures, textiles, jewelry, decor | Add live inventory status for limited stock |
| Pricing | Affordable to premium ranges | Maintain price transparency and offer loyalty discounts |
| Shipping & Packaging | Secure packaging, free global shipping on many items | Ensure real-time tracking and shipping updates |
| Customer Support | Supportive in many cases, polite communication | Enhance responsiveness and refund speed |
| Website UX | Clean layout, clear product descriptions, multiple payment options | Improve checkout consistency and add live chat |
Final Thoughts
In sum, Exotic India Art is a remarkable gateway into India’s spiritual and artistic heritage. With a vast catalog of rare books, traditional art forms, and handcrafted treasures, it stands out as a platform deeply rooted in tradition and committed to authenticity. Many users report swift delivery, secure packaging, and satisfaction with the product quality. Moreover, the mission of bringing hard‑to‑find books and crafts to a global audience is both meaningful and impactful.
At the same time, no platform is perfect. While some users have experienced delays, miscommunication, or refund issues, these appear to be exceptions rather than the rule. For prospective buyers—especially researchers, collectors, or devotees looking for genuine Indian artifacts—Exotic India Art remains a trusted and enriching resource.
Recommendations for Shoppers
- Verify availability: Especially for unique or limited-edition items.
- Choose express shipping for urgency: Especially for gifts or time-sensitive deliveries.
- Document all communication: Save emails or messages for reference.
- Enjoy the cultural journey: Each item often comes with context and background—making it more than just a product.
Conclusion
Exotic India Art is not just an e-commerce website—it is a celebration of India’s timeless beauty, faith, and craftsmanship. It connects art lovers, spiritual seekers, and scholars to the rich legacy of Indian heritage. For anyone seeking authentic, well-crafted, and meaningful Indian art and literature, Exotic India Art is a platform worth exploring and revisiting often.