Jatayu Vadham by Raja Ravi Varma
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Raja Ravi Varma has been in the news this year for many ‘expensive’ reasons, most notably after his Yashoda and Krishna sold for a record ₹167.2 crore. Yet, beyond auction houses and gallery displays, the celebrated artist’s works have been at the centre of public debate, legal disputes, and cultural conversations. An upcoming talk by advocate, author, and adjunct professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (IISc), Bengaluru, Ganesh V Shivaswamy explores the lesser-known legacy, examining how Ravi Varma’s art reached far beyond royal patrons and collectors to engage wider public discussion. Titled Raja Ravi Varma’s Ravana in Conflict and Controversy, the talk focusses on the artist’s iconic deception of Ravana and the controversies it sparked over the decades. The talk traces how the image became entangled in court cases, discussions on scientific evidence, Government acquisition of cultural objects, and questions of authenticity and public memory. “Generally, the greater legacy belongs to Rama. Ravana has always had the lesser narrative around him, not because he is a lesser character, but because there’s a lot to debate around him. That’s what makes him so interesting to explore,” says Ganesh.
