The artistic tradition in India is an amalgamation of numerous thinkers, artists, and myths casting their influences on the Indian culture over the years. The culture then shaped the artists’ development and their artistic sensibilities, which, in turn, molded the culture and society. From ancient times, the artistic sensibilities of Indian artists have inspired awe and bewilderment from artists across the world, for their unique artistic expression and thoughts instilled in their artworks.
Raja Ravi Varma’s Influence
However, as the older traditions of art gradually declined in India, prominent Indian artists such as Raja Ravi Varma blended the British, or rather, the Western traditions and techniques of painting with their Indian sensibilities to produce works of art that could easily be distinguished by others as distinct from those that came before. The techniques he used for this purpose were both oil painting and easel painting, which were chiefly Western in nature.
Why was Raja Ravi Varma so Influential?
Unique Painting Style
One of the prime reasons why Raja Ravi Varma is believed to have drastically influenced Indian art is because of his unique style of painting. Adapting to the changes in society, he used western styles of painting such as oil and easel painting and produced works that remained inherently Indian in their depiction, iconography, and aesthetic sensibility. Moreover, this style of painting was self-taught.
Connections with the Royal Family
Personally granted the title of ‘Raja’ by the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Raja Ravi Varma came from an aristocratic family that was closely associated with the Travancore Royal Family from the princely state of Travancore, which is known as ‘Kerala’ in the present day. Such connections already granted him all the means to support his passion for art while granting him widespread influence.
Lithography
Through lithography, the method of printing the original painting onto other materials and thus copying it, Raja Ravi Varma was able to make it affordable to the general public, which contributed to spreading his influence further amongst the masses. This also led to him shaping the artistic sensibilities of the Indian masses during his time.
Religious Depictions
His depictions of the Gods and Goddesses and especially, various figures from Puranas and Indian Epics allowed him to receive widespread fame and led to him becoming a critically acclaimed artist.
Works such as Shakuntala and Varaha Avatar also gave boosted his popularity and cemented his status as a major influence on the contemporary art movement in India.
