The Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation presents a special exhibition on the artist’s granddaughter

The Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation has unveiled an unprecedented masterpiece from the Travancore royal collection in honor of the 176th birth anniversary of Raja Ravi Varma, which will be showcased in a special exhibition.

Titled “Daughter of Providence,” the exhibition pays tribute to Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the last ruling queen of Travancore, and a revered figure in 20th century India. Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi’s short reign from 1924 to 1931 marked a period of significant social and economic progress in Travancore. Admired by luminaries such as Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Mountbatten, she was a champion of women’s rights and caste equality. She was also Raja Ravi Varma’s eldest granddaughter.

Despite relinquishing her titles later in life, her legacy as a visionary ruler endures. To further explore the life and significance of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, a special talk by Dr. Manu S. Pillai is also scheduled for April 27^th at the exhibition venue. The exhibition itself will feature a collection of photographs documenting the Maharani’s life, presented in various chapters. Additionally, a stunning oil painting by her first granddaughter, Bharani Thirunal Rukmini Bayi Thampuran, will be showcased.

Gitanjali Maini, Managing Trustee & CEO of the Foundation, said, “While the focus of the Foundation remains on documentation and preservation of Raja Ravi Varma’s work, we often come across paintings done by the artist that have never been seen, researched, documented or published before they reach out hands. It therefore becomes the responsibility of the Foundation that such paintings are talked about and displayed for the world to see. This painting of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi as a three year old girl, is one such work that needs to be spoken about and shared with anyone who has a love for Raja Ravi Varma and his work.”

The “Daughter of Providence” exhibition will run from April 29 to May 30 at the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, located at the Mezzanine Level of 38 Maini Sadan, 7th Cross Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, India.