Raja Ravi Varma's

Category: Economy

Why in News:

• The first authentic replica of Raja Ravi Varma's renowned painting, "Indulekha," will be unveiled at Kilimanoor Palace, the artist's birthplace in 1848, during his 176th birth anniversary celebrations. 
• April 29 marks the birth anniversary of the renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906).

Key Points about Raja Ravi Varma’s:

• Raja Ravi Varma, an esteemed Indian painter and artist, holds a revered status as one of the most prominent figures in Indian art history.
• Renowned for his remarkable works, Varma's oeuvre predominantly explores themes from the Puranas, as well as the revered Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
• Notably, Varma adeptly fused Indian traditional motifs with European academic art techniques, showcasing a unique and captivating style.
• His depictions often celebrated the allure of South Indian women, captivating the admiration of audiences.
• Varma's portrayal of Hindu deities became objects of veneration, especially among individuals from marginalized communities.

Early Days and Training:

• Born into an aristocratic family in Travancore, Kerala.
• Patronized by Ayilyam Thirunal, the ruler of Travancore, at age 14.
• Received watercolor training from Ramaswamy Naidu, the royal painter.

Contributions in Indian Art:

• Created around 7,000 paintings, including classical representations of Hindu deities.
• Produced portraits of Indians and Europeans.
• Pioneered the use of oil paints in Indian art.
• Considered a leading figure of the Europeanised school of painting in India.

Lithographic Press:

• Mastered reproduction of his work using lithographic press.
• Established his own press in Maharashtra, initially in Ghatkopar and later in Lonavala (1894).
• Spread his paintings widely into working-class homes.

Famous Works:

• "Damayanti Talking to a Swan," "Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta," "Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair," "Shantanu and Matsyagandha."

Awards and Honors:

• Awarded the Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal by the British colonial government in 1904.
• Honored with a crater on the planet Mercury in 2013.