Before the era of television and movie posters, Raja Ravi Varma’s prints were the go-to source for showcasing Hindu gods in homes across India. His iconic depictions of divine beings like Menaka, Lakshmi, Vishnu, and many others brought a sense of familiarity and relatability to Hindu mythology, presenting gods as humans rather than distant, untouchable idols.
Born on April 29, 1848, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Varma is often hailed as the father of modern Indian art. By blending Western techniques with Indian themes, he created paintings that struck a balance between the sacred and the everyday, giving divine figures a new, more accessible form.
Raja Ravi Varma’s legacy extended beyond Indian borders. His works were featured at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, alongside Swami Vivekananda’s famous speech. His paintings were displayed in the ethnography section of the fair, where they were noted for their representation of Hindu gods and deities, although they were somewhat marginalized in the arts section, signaling the West’s reluctance to fully embrace Indian artists.
Adopting European realism, Varma skillfully blended oil painting techniques with traditional Indian iconography. This fusion of the familiar and the divine resonated with the masses, as his works could be found on the walls of countless households across the country.
Varma’s works, such as his famous “Shakuntala” painting, depict mythological and historical moments with intimate, human emotion. His portrayal of Shakuntala’s longing gaze is a perfect example of his ability to convey complex feelings through simple actions.
A pivotal moment in his career was the establishment of his lithographic press in Ghatkopar, Bombay, in 1894. With advice from T Madhava Rao, the Dewan of Travancore, Varma set up the press to mass-produce lithographs of his paintings, making his art widely accessible to the public. These oleographs featured gods like Rama and Krishna, figures from the Mahabharata, and other iconic characters, becoming a household staple.
Varma’s lithographs continued to be produced even after his death in 1906, making his art available to generations of Indians. Though the press eventually faced financial difficulties and was sold to a German technician, the impact of his work remained indelible, with some of his paintings, like “Tilotama,” becoming highly valuable collector’s items.
Raja Ravi Varma’s contributions to Indian art and culture cannot be overstated. His depictions of Hindu gods and epic tales transformed the way Indians connected with their divine and cultural heritage. By bringing gods into everyday life, he made sacred figures more approachable and relatable, leaving a lasting influence on Indian art and spirituality.
As historian Manu Pillai notes in his book False Allies, Varma’s artistic vision went beyond beauty—he saw art as a way to connect with people and shape the world around him. His works remain a testament to the power of art in bridging the gap between the divine and the mundane.
