177th Birth Anniversary of Raja Ravi Varma on April 29th, 2025
177th Birth Anniversary of Raja Ravi Verma
Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) was a pioneering Indian artist from Kerala, celebrated as one of the most influential figures in the history of Indian art during the colonial era. Born into the aristocratic Kilimanoor palace, Varma was largely self-taught, learning by observing European painters at royal courts. He is often hailed as the father of modern Indian painting for his innovative fusion of European academic realism, especially oil painting techniques, with Indian themes and subjects.
Cultural Contributions During Colonial India:
- Modernising Indian Art: Varma was the first Indian artist to master and popularise oil painting, a medium newly introduced to India during British rule.
- He adapted Western techniques of realism and portraiture to Indian subjects, especially mythological and religious figures, making deities appear more human and accessible.
- By depicting gods, goddesses, and characters from Hindu epics in contemporary Indian attire and settings, he grounded mythological figures in everyday reality, transforming the visual culture of India.
- Democratising Art: Varma revolutionised Indian art by making it accessible to the masses. He established a printing press to produce affordable colour oleographs (chromolithographs) of his paintings, allowing ordinary people to own images of Hindu deities and heroes.
- This practice gave rise to what is now known as “calendar art” and had a profound impact on popular religious iconography across India.
- Social and Cultural Impact: His works played a role in unifying diverse Indian communities by presenting pan-Indian aesthetics and iconography, fostering a sense of national identity during colonial rule.
- Varma’s art was patronised by Indian royalty and British officials alike, and several princely states, including Travancore, Baroda, Udaipur, and Mysore, commissioned him.
- He is recognised as an independent professional artist who bridged the gap between traditional Indian art and modern, Western-influenced techniques.
Manu S. Pillai’s Book on Raja Ravi Varma:
Historian Manu S. Pillai has written a widely acclaimed book titled “False Allies: India’s Maharajahs in the Age of Ravi Varma”.” In this work, Pillai uses Raja Ravi Varma’s career and travels as a lens to explore the complex political and cultural world of India’s princely states during the British Raj.
