Raja Ravi Varma Book on Epics to Be Launched at Mysuru Palace on January 31
The fourth volume of the prestigious book series “Raja Ravi Varma: An Everlasting Imprint – The Epics Imagined” will be launched at Mysuru Palace on January 31, marking a significant cultural milestone for art lovers and historians.
The event is being organised by the His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar (HHSNW) Foundation and will take place at the historic Chandrashale Thotti Sabhangana inside the palace premises at 5.30 pm.
The announcement was made by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, President of the Foundation, highlighting the importance of the venue and the theme of the new volume.
Focus on Indian Epics
According to Ms. Wadiyar, the fourth volume explores the artistic representation of India’s two greatest epics — the Ramayana and the Mahabharata — through the works of legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma.
“This volume explores the images associated with the Ramayana and Mahabharata,” she said in a statement issued on January 25.
The book documents how Raja Ravi Varma visualised key characters, scenes, and narratives from the epics, shaping the way generations of Indians imagined mythological figures.
His paintings of Lord Rama, Sita, Krishna, Arjuna, Draupadi, and other iconic figures became reference points for calendar art, posters, textbooks, and popular culture.
Scholars believe Varma’s style played a crucial role in making classical Indian stories accessible to common people through realistic and emotionally powerful imagery.
Wadiyar Patronage and Legacy
Ms. Wadiyar also highlighted the historical connection between Raja Ravi Varma and the Mysore royal family.
She noted that the artist enjoyed strong patronage from the Wadiyars of Mysore, especially Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar X and Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV.
Both rulers commissioned several of Varma’s most celebrated works, many of which depicted scenes from Indian epics and religious traditions.
This royal support helped Varma experiment with oil painting techniques, lithography, and large-scale mythological compositions, which later influenced Indian art for decades.
The Mysore court’s encouragement enabled him to blend European realism with Indian themes, creating a distinctive visual language that still resonates today.
Significance of the Venue
The Chandrashale Thotti Sabhangana, where the book will be launched, holds deep cultural and historical value.
Located in the older section of Mysuru Palace, the hall was once used for cultural gatherings, performances, and as a yoga shala.
In recent years, the venue has been carefully restored and renovated by the HHSNW Foundation to preserve its heritage character.
“We are pleased to announce that the book launch will be the inaugural event at this historic venue,” Ms. Wadiyar said.
The organisers have described the hall as an exclusive space with limited seating, adding to the prestige and intimacy of the event.
The launch is expected to be attended by art historians, scholars, members of the royal family, cultural enthusiasts, and invited guests.
Continuing a Celebrated Series
The “Raja Ravi Varma: An Everlasting Imprint” series has been widely appreciated for its scholarly depth, high-quality reproductions, and detailed documentation of the artist’s life and work.
Previous volumes focused on various aspects of Varma’s artistic journey, including portraits, women-centric themes, and royal commissions.
The fourth volume adds another important layer by examining how he interpreted and popularised India’s epic narratives through visual art.
Experts say the series has helped renew public interest in Varma’s legacy and strengthened academic research on Indian modern art.
Our Thoughts
The launch of “The Epics Imagined” at Mysuru Palace is more than just a book release — it is a celebration of India’s artistic and cultural continuity. Raja Ravi Varma’s work bridged tradition and modernity at a time when Indian art was undergoing major transformation.
By presenting the Ramayana and Mahabharata through realistic and emotionally expressive imagery, Varma helped shape the collective imagination of millions. His paintings remain deeply embedded in popular culture even today.
Holding the launch in a restored heritage venue further strengthens the symbolic value of the event. It reflects a growing awareness about preserving not just artworks, but also the spaces that nurtured them.
Such initiatives play a vital role in reconnecting younger generations with India’s artistic heritage. They encourage deeper engagement with history, literature, and visual culture.
In an era dominated by digital media, projects like this remind us of the enduring power of classical art and storytelling. The book is likely to become an important reference for scholars and art lovers alike.
