Raja Ravi Varma was an Indian painter, who was born on April 29, 1848 at Kilimanoor (a small town in Kerala). He is known for his astonishing paintings, which revolve chiefly around the great Hindu epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. He was the son of Ezhumavail Neelakanthan Bhattatiripad and Umayamba Thampuratti. His father was an accomplished scholar, whereas his mother was a poet and writer. He is considered as modern among traditionalists and a rationalist among moderns.

At the age of seven, Raja Ravi Varma started paintings using charcoal. His uncle Raja Raja Varma observed his talent and gave training on painting. Recognizing the innate aptitude of their child, his parents sent him to study under the patronage of Ayilyam Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore. At the age of 14, he was taught water painting by Travancore Palace’s painter Rama Swamy Naidu and oil paintings by Theodor Jenson, a British painter. Raja Ravi Varma breathed his last on October 2, 1906.

Due to immense contribution of Raja Ravi Varma towards Indian art, the Government of Kerala established an award with his name known as ‘Raja Ravi Varma Award’. This award is given to individuals who made valuable contribution in the field of art and culture. A college is also established in the honor of Raja Ravi Varma in Mavelikara district of Kerala. 

Most of Raja Ravi Varma's paintings are based on Hindu epic stories and characters. His paintings depict the scenes, characters, events from Hindu epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Lord Krishna as an Ambassador, Lord Rama Conquering Varuna, Shakuntala composing a Love Letter to King Dushyanta, Damayanti talking to a swan etc. are some of his renowned paintings. His unique Indian style has later influenced artists and designers worldwide. Raja Ravi Varma received international recognition in 1873, when he won the first prize for his paintings at the Vienna Art Exhibition. He became a world celebrated Indian painter after winning in 1873 Vienna Exhibition.All paintings are courtesy of Art of Legend India.