As we celebrate the birth anniversary of the legendary Indian painter, Raja Ravi Varma on 29th April (1848-1906), it’s time to brush upon his extensive contributions in giving Indians their western, classical depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses.
Early Life and Training
Born into an aristocratic family in Travancore, Kerala, Varma began his artistic pursuits from an early age. At the tender age of 14, he caught the attention of Ayilyam Thirunal, the then ruler of Travancore. Varma was taken under the royal patronage and received watercolour training from Ramaswamy Naidu, a distinguished royal painter.
Invaluable Contributions
Over his career, Varma created around 7,000 paintings. His work wasn’t limited to painting Hindu mythological figures; he also painted portraits of many Indians as well as Europeans, further broadening the range of his artistic expressions. Varma’s skill was not confined to portrait art, he was also a master in landscape painting. He is considered one of the first Indian artists to use oil paints, a factor that has secured his position as the most important representative of the Europeanised school of painting in India.
Lithographic Press
Varma’s influence further expanded when he mastered the lithographic press – a printing method based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. Prior to this advancement, paintings were sent to Germany and Austria to be lithographed. Bypassing this lengthy process, Varma set up his own printing press in Maharashtra — first in Ghatkopar and eventually, due to its success, moved to Lonavala in 1894. His artistry became part of everyday life when it started to decorate the prayer and living rooms of working-class homes.
Notable Works
Among Varma’s vast repertoire, some of his most famous works include “Damayanti Talking to a Swan”, “Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta”, “Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair”, and “Shantanu and Matsyagandha”. These pieces vividly demonstrate Varma’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects and their surroundings.
Awards and Honours
In recognition of his artistic talents and contributions, the British colonial government awarded Varma with the Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal in 1904. His fame and impact surpassed geographical boundaries when in 2013, in homage to his artistic genius, a crater on the planet Mercury was named in his honour.
The iconic Raja Ravi Varma’s life and work remain significant in India’s art history. His innovative approaches to art and his successful application of western-style techniques have had a profound influence on generations of Indian artists. His enduring legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, both within and beyond India.
