Sir Thanjavur Madhava Row

Sir Thanjavur Madhava Row (1828-1891) was a Dewan (a post equivalent to that of a Prime Minister) to the Kingdoms of Travancore, Baroda and Indore. An exceedingly influential person, it was he who was instrumental in Raja Ravi Varma being introduced to the Court of Baroda. It was Sir Madhava who acquired the painting 'Sita Bhumipravesh" and presented it to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It was also Sir Madhava who suggested to Raja Ravi Varma, as early as in 1884 “There are many of my friends who are desirous of possessing your works. It would be hardly possible for you, with only a pair of hands, to meet such a large demand. Send, therefore, a few of your select works to Europe and have them oleographed. You will thereby not only extend your reputation, but will be doing a great service to the country.” This suggestion was eventually fructify in the year 1894 when the Ravi Varma Fine Art Lithographic Press commenced operations at Bombay (now Mumbai).