Svetoslav Nikolaevich Roerich, the son of Nicholas Roerich and Elena Roerich, was born on November 5 (October 23), 1904. Svetoslav early became engaged in drawing, painting and molding, and helped his father to work on theatrical sketches.

Already in the early childhood the boy showed interest in natural sciences that harmoniously intertwined with his inherent artistic talents. At the age of twelve Svetoslav already helped his father, the famous artist Nikolay Roerich, to stretch canvases over frames and prepare paints. The father often took him on archaeological trips around the Old Russian towns.

From 1916 to 1918 Svetoslav together with his family lived in Finland, where at the age of 13 he painted the first portrait of his father. In 1919 Svetoslav Roerich entered the Royal Academy of Arts in London, where he studied architecture. Developing his painting skill, Svetoslav participated together with his father in creation of scenery for the operas Snow Maiden and Sadko.

He continued his education in the USA, first at the architecture faculty in the Colombian University, and then in Harvard. He painted lots of pictures, was engaged in book illustration and graphic art.

In 1923 he headed the International Art Center Corona Mundi and subsequently became the vice-president of the Nikolay Roerich Museum in New York. Along with performing the numerous duties as the director he went on painting, and critics pointed out swift blossoming of his artistic talent.

In 1931, having finished his studies, Svetoslav Nikolaevich moved from the USA to India and joined his family in the Kullu Valley. When living in India Svetoslav Nikolaevich was taking an active part in its public and cultural life, and was greatly inspired to paint a lot. India became his second motherland. He married the Indian actress Devika Rani Roerich.

Svetoslav Roerich made a great contribution into strengthening of peace and friendship between India and Russia. During the Great Patriotic War Svetoslav Nikolaevich repeatedly addressed the Soviet ambassador in London with the request to accept him as a volunteer to the Red Army.

Svetoslav Nikolaevich was a spiritual successor of his great father and continued his activities.

The artist died on January 30, 1993 and was laid to rest in his estate Tataguni in Bangalore, and subsequently his spouse of was buried next to him.