Why Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings were a ‘work of controversy’ in his time

Raja Ravi Varma is one of the most famous Indian painters. From ‘Damyanti’ to ‘Shakuntala’, he painted masterpieces that leave people in awe and surprise today. But unfortunately, Varma’s fame came much after his time, and when he was alive, it was controversy that greeted his door. His paintings often depicted mythological characters and Indian royalty in a realistic style, challenging traditional artistic norms. From the smirks to the female gaze, his paintings and depictions upset a lot of people during his time. Here we list a few reasons why Raja Ravi Varma’s work was regarded more as a ‘work of controversy’ than a ‘work of art’.

Raja Ravi Varma's art was a fusion of traditional Indian themes but with Western techniques. The themes, characters, the women, were all very much Indian and characters of religious importance. But, it was their portrayal, which was called ‘dominantly western’ which became the problem.

Raja Ravi Varma's depiction of sacred Hindu characters stirred controversy due to his departure from traditional iconography. He infused his subjects with a sense of realism, portraying gods and goddesses in human-like forms rather than adhering to the traditional artistic conventions. While traditional artists were particularly cautious when dealing with sacred subjects and painted them with respect and a hint of sensibility, Ravi Varma did not do the same.
This departure from established norms sparked debates among religious scholars and conservative circles, who questioned the appropriateness of representing divine beings in a more humanised manner.

Through his paintings, Raja Ravi Varma often presented subtle social commentary. From the issues of his time which included patriarchal constructs and submissiveness of women, Ravi Varma attempted to do something opposite to them one at a time. The sharp female gaze, the smirk on their lips and the slightly sensual face structure. All of these depictions challenged prevailing norms. Such representations, way too progressive for their time, were met with resistance from conservative quarters.

Another reason for the controversy surrounding Raja Ravi Varma's paintings was the presence of erotic undertones and sensuality in some of his works. While Varma's portrayal of the female form was celebrated for its beauty and grace, it also attracted criticism for its eroticism. Traditionalists and moralists looked down upon these depictions as inappropriate and offensive, arguing that they undermined the sanctity of Indian cultural values and norms.