Exploring the life and work of Raja Ravi Varma through the diary of his brother

Raja Ravi Varma, often regarded as the ‘Father of Modern Indian Art’, laid the foundation to make art accessible to the common man. With the use of European art techniques, Varma became the pioneer of blending Indian subjects with a sense of realism and depth. He was the first-ever Indian artist to depict Hindu gods and deities with relatable, human-like features. But beyond that, the artist was applauded for being instrumental in introducing printing techniques, making his art more accessible to the common man. 

A lesser-known fact, however, remains the contribution of C Raja Raja Varma—the brother of Raja Ravi Varma—to the latter’s success. Raja Raja Varma was a co-worker, assistant, secretary, and business manager to his artist brother. In fact, according to the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, ‘their relationship was often referred to as the Ram and Laxman of Indian art.’

C Raja Raja Varma kept a journal that over the years has become one of the most authentic source material on the last ten years (1894-5 to 1905) of Raja Ravi Varma’s life and work. 

The book—‘The Diary of C Raja Raja Varma’—published in 2005 by Oxford University Press, in collaboration with the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, includes over 1,000 entries and expansive notes and chronology of the artist’s achievements, travels, relationships, connections to the Travancore royal family, and personal stories that shaped his life and work. 

In an attempt to bring the journal entries to life, the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation in Bengaluru recently unveiled a multi-sensory experience, blending art, archival research, and technology, bridging the gap between past and present.

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Co-created by storytellers, designers, and technologists, the experience leverages Human-in-the-Loop AI and projection technology to unfold key moments from the diary. The experience begins with an audio-visual presentation inspired by the excerpts from the dairy and leads to two interactive AR paths, narrating the artist’s journey. 

In a conversation with YS Life, Ravi Charkavarthy, Creative Director at Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, explains why it is important to reinterpret the renowned artist’s work using technology. 

Edited excerpts: 

YS Life [YSL]: Why is it important to reinterpret Raja Ravi Varma’s work in innovative ways?

Ravi Charkavarthy [RC]: C Raja Raja Varma’s diary is an intimate record of Raja Ravi Varma’s (RRV) artistic journey, offering firsthand insights into his creative process, struggles, inspirations, and triumphs. This experience provides a personal portrayal of RRV moving beyond his status as a celebrated artist to reveal the man behind the canvas. 

The diary’s detailed accounts of Varma’s commissions, travels, and artistic evolution enable a historically grounded and emotionally resonant experience, allowing audiences to step into the artist’s world.

By leveraging digital technology, multimedia storytelling, and experiential design, this initiative breathes new life into RRV’s paintings, making them accessible to contemporary viewers while preserving their cultural authenticity. 

YSL: How did Raja Ravi Varma's relationship with his brother shape his art? 

RC: RRV and his younger brother shared an inseparable artistic bond. As a fellow painter, Raja Raja Varma assisted in executing many of RRV’s works, managed correspondence, and chronicled their experiences. 

His diary highlights the collaborative nature of their artistic endeavours, showing how Raja Raja Varma’s support allowed RRV to focus on refining his vision. This initiative seeks to acknowledge and celebrate Raja Raja Varma’s crucial role, ensuring that his contributions are recognised within the broader legacy of Raja Ravi Varma.

YSL: What insights from the diary were pivotal in shaping this presentation?

RC: Key revelations, such as the challenges he faced in democratising art through his lithographs or the evolving aesthetic tastes of his time, shape the narrative of this experience. 

YSL: How did you ensure that the presentation of Varma’s art and life stays true to the cultural ethos of his time?

RC: Extensive research, archival references, and consultations with art historians have ensured the experience remains authentic to the late 19th and early 20th-century cultural milieu. Every element of this experience has been curated to reflect the ethos of his time while making it accessible to today’s audience.

YSL: In what ways does this initiative help bridge the gap between India’s artistic heritage and modern audiences?

RC: By presenting RRV’s work in a multimedia format, this initiative ensures his artistic heritage is not confined to paintings in museums, but is actively engaged with by new generations. 

Incorporating digital storytelling, virtual experiences, and educational elements allows for a more immersive interaction with his art. This approach bridges the gap between India’s rich artistic past and the contemporary world, fostering a deeper connection between tradition and innovation.

YSL: How do you see this experience contributing to global conversations about India’s place in world art history?

RC: This experience positions RRV’s legacy within the broader context of world art history, emphasising his role as a pioneer who blended Indian themes with European techniques. By showcasing his work through an immersive, globally relevant format, the initiative sparks discussions on the universality of artistic expression, colonial influences on art, and the role of visual storytelling in shaping cultural identity. 

Ultimately, it affirms India’s place in the global artistic narrative, highlighting the significance of Varma’s contributions beyond national boundaries.

Details of the experience:

Date: Until May 1, 2025

Timing: 10 AM - 5 PM (prior registration required)