A Queen, A Muse, And An Unseen Masterpiece

Curiosity sparked as I glanced through the invitation to an exhibition showcasing an "unseen" painting by Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906). The name is synonymous with Indian art, and his works are etched in my memory from childhood textbooks. Subsequent trips to the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi had only deepened my appreciation for his mastery. Yet, the concept of an "unseen" Varma felt strangely paradoxical. After all, his paintings were national treasures, revered across India and the world. Could there indeed be a hidden gem from this prolific artist? This exhibition, it seemed, promised to unveil a secret chapter in Varma's legacy.My excitement about the exhibition intensified as I delved deeper into the invitation. Titled "Daughter of Providence," it was being held at the Raja Ravi Varma Foundation in Bengaluru. This hidden gem wasn't just any subject; it was Ravi Varma's muse, his eldest granddaughter and the last ruling queen of Travancore—Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi (1895-1985).The centrepiece, an original oil painting, had never been seen by the public eye. It depicted a three-year-old Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, a gift from her doting grandfather.Ahead Of Her TimesA series of groundbreaking decisions marked Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi's reign. She defied tradition by opening the state's legislature to non-royals, appointed women to positions of power, and actively dismantled the caste system's inequalities. A leader respected by national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, she gracefully navigated the rise of democracy in India. However, in the 1950s, she chose a life outside the palace, settling permanently in Bengaluru. She passed away in 1985, not as royalty, but as an ordinary citizen.The exhibition wasn't just about the painting. A collection of photographs offered a visual narrative of the Maharani's life, showcasing its various chapters. Intriguingly, the very first displayed artwork was an oil portrait of Ravi Varma himself, created by the queen's eldest grandchild, Bharani Thirunal Rukmini Bayi Thampuran, also known as Rukmini Varma, the current chairperson of the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation. Rukmini's mesmerising oil painting of the Maharani also held a prominent place in the exhibition.If this blend of royalty and art piqued your interest, stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Rukmini Varma herself. An accomplished artist, she sheds light on her special bond with the Maharani, discusses the enduring relevance of Raja Ravi Varma's art in the 21st century, and more.Can you elaborate on your connection with the Travancore royal family and how it influenced your approach to art and style?Indeed, art has been an integral part of my life since childhood, deeply ingrained within my family. Growing up surrounded by the artistic ambience of our heritage, particularly the works of Raja Ravi Varma, my great-great grandfather, nurtured my innate passion for painting and drawing. My maternal and paternal lineages trace back to him, solidifying art as a familial legacy. Despite the emphasis on academic pursuits during my upbringing, I found solace and encouragement from my grandmother to pursue my artistic endeavours clandestinely. My connection to art remained unwavering even after relocating from the palace to Bangalore for educational opportunities. Although the transition brought about changes, my artistic roots remained firmly intact.Your family's support played a significant role in nurturing your artistic talent. How did this support shape your journey?My grandmother's unwavering encouragement fueled my artistic endeavours despite the societal emphasis on academic excellence. While the decision to leave the palace stirred speculation, it was solely driven by a pursuit of broader educational horizons. Settling into a new environment was relatively seamless as a child, although my affection for Travancore remains palpable, often igniting a renewed sense of inspiration during visits. Yet, the lineage of artistic brilliance, rather than royal status, has genuinely influenced my artistic trajectory.Your surroundings influenced your artistic journey, particularly your experiences in Bangalore and London. Can you elaborate on how these environments shaped your approach to art?My relocation to Bangalore opened up new avenues for artistic exploration. With greater freedom and resources at my disposal, I delved into studying the techniques of classical masters like Peter Paul Rubens, whose style resonated with me. My visit to London further enriched my understanding, as I had the opportunity to study the works of old masters, providing insights into their techniques. Interestingly, I discovered parallels between Rubens' favoured style and that of Ravi Varma, further solidifying my artistic direction. The shift in surroundings undoubtedly influenced my creative evolution, empowering me to refine my style and technique.Can you share more about how specific elements from Raja Ravi Varma's work influenced your own?Certainly, Ravi Varma's mastery of composition and use of colour profoundly influenced my approach to painting. His compositions, such as "Victory of Indrajit," showcased a meticulous arrangement of elements to convey a narrative, inspiring me to experiment with my compositions. Moreover, his attention to detail, particularly in rendering jewellery and skin tones, left a lasting impression on my work. I found his dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects both inspiring and instructive, guiding my artistic endeavours.Moving on to the "unseen" painting, which holds personal significance for you. Can you recount your earliest memories of the painting and how it has evolved?The painting has been a constant presence in my life, from my earliest memories in my grandfather's palace wing to its display in my aunt's quarters. The painting's allure lies in its artistic merit, and the expression of the young girl depicted. Over time, I've observed nuances in her demeanour, reflecting innocence and maturity. It's a testament to the timeless nature of art, where each viewing unveils new layers of meaning and emotion. Displaying the painting alongside contemporary photographs further underscores its impact, highlighting the artist's ability to capture depth and expression beyond mere visual representation.Do you notice any significant differences between the painting and other works by Raja Ravi Varma?While the colour tones and style remain consistent with Raja Ravi Varma's other paintings, this one stands out for its simplicity. The child depicted (Sethu Lakshmi Bayi) retains a natural, innocent look, devoid of the elaborate jewellery and regal attire often associated with royalty. This departure from typical royal portraits captures a moment of simplicity before the child's adoption into the royal family, preserving a glimpse of her unadorned childhood.Shifting gears, I'd like to explore your memories of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, particularly your understanding of her beyond a child's perspective.As the eldest granddaughter of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, my memories of her primarily revolved around her role as a loving grandmother. I only later appreciated her as a progressive leader who championed women's empowerment and social welfare. She possessed a remarkable capacity to understand and connect with people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of inclusivity and equality. Her legacy extends far beyond the confines of royalty, encompassing a vision for societal progress and upliftment.Given her pioneering efforts in various realms, how do you view her art as having a social purpose within society?Sethu Lakshmi Bayi's contributions transcended conventional notions of royalty, encompassing women's education, social equality, and infrastructure development initiatives. Through her patronage of the arts and advocacy for inclusive policies, she cultivated a cultural landscape that promoted diversity and progress. Her artistry reflected her social consciousness, inspiring others to embrace innovation and inclusivity. Her art embodied a vision for a more equitable and enlightened society, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and social change.Given your family's legacy and your vast experience as an artist, how do you perceive the role of art in fostering cultural understanding and societal change?Art has the transformative power to humanise society, bridging divides and evoking universal emotions. Raja Ravi Varma, for instance, played a pivotal role in unifying India through his art, transcending barriers of caste and creed. Art enables us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of humanity, fostering empathy and connection beyond superficial distinctions.The InformationWhat: Daughter Of ProvidenceWhen: April 29-May 30Where: Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, Mezzanine Level, 38 Maini Sadan, 7th Cross Lavelle Road, Bengaluru

A Queen, A Muse, And An Unseen Masterpiece

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