Most loved artworks of RAJA RAVI VARMA

By KAHAANI STUDIO

Raja Ravi Varma is perhaps the most famous of Indian artists and painters, noted for the way he imbibed Indian mythology and way of living in his work.  His art was affordable, and is thus credited with bringing a more refined taste and interest in arts to the common people He was related to Travancore's royal family, and had a signature style that is still flaunted by art connoisseurs across the world. Here, some of Ravi Varma's most iconic works.

Raja Ravi Varma, the legend

Jatayu Vadha (1895)

Perhaps Raja Ravi Varma'a most celebrated artwork, this depicts the killing of bird Jatayu by Ravana as he abducts Sita in Ramayana, a revered Hindu scripture.

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Shakuntala removing thorn from foot (1898)

Shakuntala  looking for Dushyant while pretending to remove a thorn. This one is currently at Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Trivandrum.

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The Milkmaid (1904)

This famous work is believed to be based on a woman from Goa, one of Raja Ravi Varma's muse.

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Kali (1910)

Ravi Varma often looked to Hindu mythology for his paintings; the famous Kali is on similar lines. It shows Kali after Mahishasura vadha.

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Gypsies (1893)

This work is also known by the name of Poverty. It captures an Indian gypsy family back in the day, sitting dejectedly in a street.

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Damayanti & royal hamsa (1893)

A painting capturing the royal hamsa (swan) and Damayanti talk about Nala, leading to their love story. It's famous as one of the most beautiful of his works.

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Victory of Meghanada (1910)

Celebration of Meghanada's (Indrajit) victory over Indra. This portrays him showing spoils of the war to Ravana, his father.

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