Self Portrait

Rama Varma was the second son of the great artist, Raja Ravi Varma. He was born in the year 1879 at Mavelikara, Kerala. He grew up during the period when arts, literature and painting flourished immensely. Being part of an artists' family greatly helped him to grow as a painter. Varma drew sketches, portraits, mythological paintings, landscapes and also ordinary moments of life around him.

The forms, colours and compositions in his works were his own creation and the influence of his father can also be seen. Rama Varma proved that life and art are equally important and complementary subjects. He was actively involved in all social, cultural and public welfare activities. Rama Varma was elected as the Chairman of the Mavelikkara Municipality in 1924. He was also the first President of Kerala's Lalitha Kala Academy in 1962.