Topic- salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
5) Discuss the contribution of Raja Ravi Verma towards Indian paintings. (250 words)
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the works of Raja Ravi Varma, his contribution towards
Indian paintings and his significance in the history of Indian art.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about Raja Ravi Verma. E.g Raja Ravi Varma was an Indian painter and artist, considered as one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian art.
Body-
Discuss in points, his works, significance and contribution. E.g
- Raja Ravi Varma is known for his amazing paintings, which revolve mainly around the Puranas (ancient mythological stories) and thegreat Indian epics – Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Ravi Varma is one of the few painters who managed to accomplish a beautiful union of Indian traditionwith the techniques of European academic art.
- This is one of the reasons why he is considered as one of the most, if not the most prominent Indian painters. Varma was also responsible in taking the Indian art all over the world with his impeccable technique.
- While the Europeans and other art lovers admired his technique, the laymen of India enjoyed his work for its simplicity. More often than not, Varma’s paintings highlighted the beauty of South Indian women which were admired by all.
- His portrayal of Hindu gods and goddesses went on to become worship material for many people belonging to the lower castes. Back then, these people were often forbidden from entering temples and thus they celebrated Varma’s works, for they gave them an idea of how the deities looked inside the temple.
- He also managed to improve the artistic knowledge and spread the importance of art among Indian people. He achieved this by making affordable lithographs, which were accessible even to the poor.
- Alternatively, this also made him a household name and Raja Ravi Varma soon captured the hearts of all.
- Recognizing his feat, Viceroy Lord Curzon honored him with the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal for his service in the furtherance of public interest
- His paintings can be classified into three categories – portraits, portrait-based compositions and theatrical compositions based on myths and legends. It is the third category of paintings for which Raja Ravi Varma is most renowned etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
