• UGI USER
  • Apr 29, 2024
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KILIMANOOR PALACE TO REVEAL RAVI VARMA’S INDULEKHA TRUE COPY.

Why in the news?

Unveiling of Ravi Varma’s Indulekha painting, first true copy, on his 176th birth anniversary, at Kilimanoor Palace, Thiruvananthapuram.

source:worldmap

About the Unveiling of Ravi Varma’s Indulekha Painting:

  • Historic Occasion: The Kilimanoor Palace, Raja Ravi Varma’s birthplace, to reveal the first true copy of his painting “Indulekha” on his 176th birth anniversary.
  • Significance: Indulekha, from O. Chandu Menon’s Malayalam novel, surfaced in 2022, sparking excitement in the art world. Originally, the plan was to unveil the original painting, but due to security concerns, a lone true copy will be revealed.
  • Event Details: Sasikala Parakkal, the owner, will unveil the copy. The painting portrays Indulekha with a letter to her lover Madhavan, believed to have inspired Ravi Varma’s “Reclining Lady”. Additionally, other paintings dedicated to palace members will be inaugurated at the event.
Key Facts about Raja Ravi Varma :

Early Life and Training:

  • Born into an aristocratic family in Travancore, Kerala.
  • Patronised by Ayilyam Thirunal at 14, received watercolour training from royal painter Ramaswamy Naidu.

Contributions:

  • Produced approximately 7,000 paintings, depicting Hindu mythological figures and portraits of Indians and Europeans.
  • Pioneered the use of oil paints, blending Indian themes with European techniques.

Famous Works:

  • Notable paintings include “Damayanti Talking to a Swan,” “Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta,” “Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair,” and “Shantanu and Matsyagandha.”
  • Awards and Honours:
  • Received Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal from the British colonial government in 1904.
  • Honoured with a crater on Mercury in 2013, recognizing his significant contributions to art.