Alapuzha Canal

Artist C. Neelakanta Pillai was the last Durbar Artist associated with Travancore. He was a disciple of artist K.R. Ravi Varma, the son of Mangala Bayi Thampuratti, the younger sister of Raja Ravi Varma.

Pillai's skill in handling oil colour and his efficiency in executing historic paintings was recognised by J.H. Cousins, art adviser to the Travancore government. His works had a massive demand among the Royalty and Public. He was assigned the task of preparing "historical paintings '' and was engaged in restoring the murals at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple. He established the Shilpakala Mandiram Art Studio at Pazhavangadi.