The Dabriwala Collection traces its origins to the collecting vision of Rajendra Dabriwala, who began acquiring works by Bengal modernists, including Ganesh Pyne, before expanding into the Progressive Artists’ Group and the broader field of Indian modernism through artists such as Sayed Haider Raza, Francis Newton Souza, Maqbool Fida Husain, Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta and Akbar Padamsee. Together, these acquisitions established one of the most significant private collections of modern South Asian Art, bringing together artists whose diverse approaches helped shape the trajectory of Indian modernism throughout the 20th century.

Building on his father's vision, Surbhit Dabriwala has continued to develop the collection while preserving its original spirit. Under his stewardship, the collection has broadened its scope across South and Southeast Asia, embracing artists including Cheong Soo Pieng, Hendra Gunawan and Affandi, alongside contemporary and diasporic voices such as Arpita Singh and Salman Toor. Today, the collection stands as a testament to an enduring collecting vision shaped by discernment, curiosity and a deep commitment to the arts. This commitment extends through the Dabriwala Foundation for the Arts, established to support scholarship and public engagement with Indian modern and contemporary art.