Indu has taught children through art for about 8 years and has written and illustrated nine children’s books, several books in matchboxes, one colouring book for adults and has contributed to anthologies in India and abroad. She is currently working on her first graphic novel.
Mattie, sit down. Sit down, Mattie (Eklavaya, 2021)
Illustrated and written by Indu, Mattie, sit down. Sit down, Mattie is her latest picture book. She tells the story of a restless child much like herself. Available in Hindi and English
Cut Piece Kumar (Eklavaya, 2021)

Illustrated and written by Indu, in Cut Piece Kumar, she brings her love for embroidery, fabrics and creating with found objects in this delightfully illustrated book. Available in Hindi and English
Indu’s other children’s books:
- The Crafty Indian Jungle Book (TERI, 2016)
Available in English
- My book is the best (Pratham Books, 2013)
Written by Mala Kumar, illustrated by Indu Harikumar
- Palanquin Bearers (Katha, 2012)

Written by Sarojini Naidu, embroidered on cloth by Indu Harikumar
English | Hindi
- Kundamandi gulumal (Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, 2011)
Written by Safdar Hashmi, translated by Satchidanandan, illustrated by Indu Harikumar
Matchbox books: A small selection of books made in matchboxes picked up from streets.







Beauty Needs Space
This self-published colouring book was drawn keeping positive messages in mind. It had twelve high-quality A4 prints that one could colour and frame, stick on, and add one’s own beauty to it. (This one was filled in by Anika from Pakistan).
Indu was at an art residency in Vienna in 2015 when the idea came to her. On a date, she shied away from eating cake by saying “I feel fat.” Her Viennese date said to her, “But beauty needs space”.