Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation to Host "Daughter of Providence" Exhibition in Bangalore

The Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation in Bangalore is set to host an exhibition titled "Daughter of Providence" from April 29 to May 30, 2024, coinciding with the 176th birth anniversary of renowned Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma. The centerpiece of the exhibition will be a never-before-seen original oil painting of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the last ruling queen of Travancore and Varma's eldest granddaughter, as a three-year-old child.

In addition to the painting of the young Maharani, the exhibition will showcase a collection of photographs and an oil painting by Bharani Thirunal Rukmini Bayi Thampuran, who is Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi's first granddaughter and the current Chairperson of the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation. The exhibition aims to document and preserve Varma's work while highlighting the life of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, who ruled Travancore and spent her later years in Bangalore.

Why this matters: The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of Raja Ravi Varma, one of India's most celebrated artists, and sheds light on the historical significance of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi's reign in Travancore. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving and showcasing India's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

The Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, established to promote and preserve the artist's legacy, has been instrumental in organizing this exhibition. "We are thrilled to present this unique exhibition featuring an unseen painting of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, who played a significant role in the history of Travancore," said Bharani Thirunal Rukmini Bayi Thampuran, expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming event.

The exhibition is expected to attract art enthusiasts, historians, and the general public, providing them with an opportunity to appreciate Raja Ravi Varma's artistic genius and learn about the life of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi. The Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation's efforts to showcase this rare painting and photographs serve as evidence of their commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage and ensuring that the stories of influential figures like Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi are not forgotten.

Key Takeaways

• Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation to host "Daughter of Providence" exhibition.
• Centerpiece is a never-before-seen painting of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi as a child.
• Exhibition showcases Varma's work and Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi's life and reign.
• Aims to preserve Varma's legacy and highlight India's cultural heritage.
• Exhibition expected to attract art enthusiasts, historians, and the general public.