Mystical traditions have historically been integral to the diverse belief systems of South Asia. Various traditions of Sufism associated with Islam, Hindu asceticism and yogic practices intermingled to form syncretic cultures that enhanced the vibrancy of South Asian religious systems.

The exhibition 'Mystic Travellers: Sufis, Ascetics and Holy Men’ presents a selection of paintings from the Polier-Albums in the collection of the Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin. The paintings offer a panorama of mysticism, where travel is physical as well as metaphysical, actual as well as metaphorical. The ultimate quest is to overcome bodily limitations, and one’s own ego in order to merge with the Divine. Some sheikhs followed their spiritual paths within the parameters of religious and social structures. Many others, men and women alike, chose to follow mystical paths outside of such structures, often in opposition to stringent religious codes or formed their own codes and practices. Some lived in caves, or hermitages away from urban spaces, while some wandered from place to place, alone or with bands of disciples. The exhibition captures this landscape of devotion manifested by the myriad journeys towards the Divine.