How This Artist Brought Art Into Millions Of  Indian Homes

4 May 2025

“He gave mythology a face. And brought art into every home.” This is the story of the man who painted gods — and changed how India saw them.

Born into an aristocratic family in Kerala, little Ravi sketched on walls with coal. A servant was assigned just to clean them — so he could keep drawing.

Seeing his talent, his uncle took him to the court of Ayilyam Thirunal, King of Travancore — where artists trained under royal patronage.

There, he watched the court painter… and a visiting Dutch artist, Theodore Jenson. Jenson never taught him. But Ravi? He learned just by watching

By 22, he was a master. With no formal training, he blended Indian stories with Western techniques — creating a style no one had seen before.

In 1894, he set up India’s first lithographic press in Lonavala. His oleographs — printed versions of his paintings — brought gods to every home. It was the birth of "calendar art."

With one bold move, he democratised Indian art. From farmers to freedom fighters, everyone now owned a Ravi Varma. Gods moved from temples to drawing rooms.

Critics called it kitsch. The people called it sacred. His art was emotional, dramatic, unapologetically Indian — and unforgettable.

His influence? Everywhere. From Amar Chitra Katha to Indian cinema, advertising, fashion, NFTs — even matchbox labels.

With over 2,000 works, his paintings now sell for crores. One of his paintings became the world’s most expensive silk saree. His legacy? Priceless.

He didn’t just paint mythology. He rewrote it — with brushstrokes of boldness. Raja Ravi Varma brought divinity home… and changed how we see gods.