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An Artistic Interpretation of the Travancore Emblem

Raja Ravi Varma

The Ganesh Shivaswamy Foundation

The Ganesh Shivaswamy Foundation
Bengaluru, India

This is an artistic interpretation by Raja Ravi Varma of the Travancore State Emblem. The twin elephants are seen carrying howdahs upholding the Shankha (Conch-shell) in the center of the frame. Below the Shankha are the initials 'RV' which refer to His Highness Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI who ruled Travancore between 1885 and 1924. The twin elephant and the Shankha continue to be used by the State of Kerala for their emblem today.

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  • Title: An Artistic Interpretation of the Travancore Emblem
  • Creator: Raja Ravi Varma
  • Location: India
  • Physical Dimensions: 24 x 34 cms
  • Type: Sketch
  • Original Source: Collection of DAG- New Delhi, Mumbai, New York.
  • Rights: Curatorial Rights: The Ganesh Shivaswamy Foundation, Bengaluru.
  • Medium: Graphite on Paper
  • Creator's Lifetime: 1848-04-29/1906-10-02
  • Creator's Biography: Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was a prolific Indian artist who is recognized for his resorting to the academic realistic style of painting. His portraits of English and Indian royalty and aristocracy were well received. His paintings on Hindu religious and mythological subjects and paintings from classical and literary sources were highly sought after even during his lifetime. He painted several copies of his works and this demand led to the suggestion to have his paintings printed in the form of oleographs. The Ravi Varma Fine Art Lithographic Press was established in Bombay (now Mumbai) and commenced operations in 1894. Many of Ravi Varma's paintings were printed as chromolithographs at this Press. These chromolithographs would have a tremendous impact on religion, society and aesthetics. They went on to democratize art leading to immortalize Ravi Varma in the minds of the people of the Indian subcontinent.
The Ganesh Shivaswamy Foundation

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