Raja Ravi Varma: The Magnificence of His Paintings

5 min readApr 29, 2024

Raja Ravi Varma, a legendary Indian painter from the 19th century, holds a significant place in the history of Indian art. His paintings, known for their realism, rich colours, and portrayal of Indian mythology and beauty, have left an indelible mark on the art world.

Raja Ravi Varma is perhaps India’s greatest painter and artist in the modern age. He brought Indian art into the Modern age by synthesizing European academic art with Indian sensibilities and Indian iconography. His paintings, known for their realism, rich colours, and portrayal of Indian mythology and beauty, have left a unique mark on the art world.

Ravi Varma, Koil Thampuran was born in an aristocratic family in Kilimanoor palace, in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. The Title Raja was conferred on him by the British Viceroy and Governor-General of India as a personal title in the citation of the Kaiser-i-hind medal in 1904.

Early life and education:

Raja Ravi Varma was born in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, present-day Kerala, India, on April 29, 1848.

He was trained in traditional art forms from an early age. His exposure to Indian miniature paintings and the techniques of the European schools shaped his unique, spectacular style.

The emergence of a distinct style:

Ravi Varma’s style was a harmonious blend of Indian tradition and Western techniques. He mastered the use of perspective, realistic anatomy, and shading, which were relatively new to Indian art at the time. His paintings depicted scenes from Hindu mythology, epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and portraits of Indian royalty and common folk alike.

Portrayal of Mythology and Beauty:

Ravi Varma’s depiction of mythological characters like Shakuntala, Damayanti, and Saraswati resonated deeply with the Indian audience. He gave these legendary figures a tangible form, capturing their grace and emotion with unparalleled finesse. His portrayal of women, in particular, was revolutionary for its time, emphasizing their beauty and strength.

Influence on Indian art:

The impact of Ravi Varma’s work on Indian art cannot be overstated. He inspired a generation of artists who sought to combine traditional Indian themes with modern techniques. His emphasis on realism and attention to detail set new standards for Indian painters, paving the way for the Bengal School and other art movements.

About his works, Rabindranath Tagore said, “In my childhood, when Ravi Varma’s age arrived in Bengal, reproductions of European paintings on the walls were promptly replaced with oleographs of his works.”

According to art historian, Partha Mitter, “Ravi Varma’s history paintings epitomized the magic that was naturalism”

Romantic paintings of Raja Ravi Varma

Before Raja Rai Varma’s paintings, the paintings of Indian artists were greatly influenced by the Persian and the Mughal schools. The paintings of that era, though delightful, lacked fluidity and appeared stiff. Many paintings also lacked depth and perspective. Raja Ravi Varma was one of the first Indian artists to merge European academic painting style with Indian sensibilities.

The canvas oil painting “Shakuntala’s Impending Calamity” by Raja Ravi Varma depicts the scene where Shakuntala is lost in thought of her lover Dushyanta.

The title of the painting, Shakuntala’s Impending Calamity, refers to the curse about to be placed upon Shakuntala by Rishi Durvasa, who is seen walking at a distance in the background.

Ravi Varma loved the Damayanti and Nala story and he created many paintings from the Nala and Damayanti story in a variety of scenes and compositions.

Controversies and criticisms

Despite his immense popularity, Ravi Varma’s work was not without controversies. Some critics accused him of pandering to colonial tastes and commercializing art through lithographic prints. Others argued that his realistic portrayals deviated from traditional Indian aesthetics. Nevertheless, his contributions to Indian art remain undeniable.

Legacy and recognition:

Raja Ravi Varma’s legacy endures through his paintings, which are treasured in museums and private collections worldwide. His influence on Indian popular culture is profound, with his images often used in calendars, posters, and advertisements. His life and work continue to be celebrated through exhibitions, books, and scholarly research

Ravi Varma’s lasting impact

Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings are a testament to Art’s power in capturing culture’s essence. His mastery of technique and his ability to evoke emotion through his subjects have secured his place as one of India’s most celebrated artists. Through his work, he immortalized the beauty of Indian mythology and the timeless elegance of its people.

Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings remind us of the rich heritage of Indian art and continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike. His legacy bridges tradition and modernity, showcasing the beauty of India’s artistic past while embracing the present innovations.