From 'Yashoda and Krishna' to 'Shakuntala': Exploring Raja Ravi Varma's iconic paintings

Raja Ravi Varma’s celebrated painting Yashoda and Krishna has set a new record as the most expensive work of modern Indian art ever sold at an auction, achieving a staggering Rs 167.2 crore (around $18 million).

The masterpiece was purchased by industrialist Cyrus S Poonawalla, founder of the Serum Institute of India, after a fierce bidding battle at a Saffronart auction on April 1. Initially estimated to fetch between Rs 80 crore and Rs 120 crore, the final price far exceeded expectations.

Who was Raja Ravi Varma 

Born in 1848 into an aristocratic family in Travancore, Raja Ravi Varma is called the Father of Modern Indian Art.

He is known for pioneering a distinctive style that blended European academic techniques with Indian themes and sensibilities.

Extending his influence beyond traditional canvases, Varma founded a lithographic press in 1894, enabling the mass production of his artworks as affordable prints. This innovation played a key role in bringing Hindu iconography into everyday homes for the first time.

What the painting depicts

Created in the 1890s, considered as the peak of Raja Ravi Varma’s artistic career, this oil-on-canvas masterpiece portrays a poignant scene from Hindu mythology. In the painting, Yashoda milks a cow, while the infant Krishna playfully reaches from behind for a goblet of milk.

The painting beautifully captures the bond between a mother and child. Through his nuanced use of colour and light, Varma creates a tranquil, almost divine atmosphere. The work also highlights his signature style, seamlessly blending European academic realism with traditional Indian motifs.

Yashoda and Krishna reflects emotional depth, a delicate composition, making it one of Varma’s most compelling creations.

Minal Vazirani, president and co-founder of Saffronart, called the sale a landmark moment, emphasising that the extraordinary price reflects not just financial value but also the deep emotional and cultural significance of Indian art.

Who is Cyrus S Poonawalla?

Cyrus S. Poonawalla, known as the Vaccine King of India, is the chairman of Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine producer. Based in Pune, the company reported revenues of ₹151.1 billion (about $1.8 billion) for the financial year ending March 31, 2024. Beyond healthcare, the Poonawalla family has diversified interests in financial services, renewable energy, and real estate.

Speaking about his recent acquisition, Poonawalla expressed pride in securing the iconic painting, Yashoda and Krishna by Raja Ravi Varma. “I am privileged to have the opportunity to acquire, preserve, and care for the iconic Raja Ravi Varma painting Yashoda and Krishna. This national treasure deserves to be made available for public viewing periodically, and it will be my endeavour to facilitate this going forward,” Poonawalla said in a statement.

Poonawalla is also known for collecting rare and historically significant items, including a pencil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and several of his handwritten letters.

What are 5 most celebrated paintings by Raja Ravi Varma?

 Shakuntala

One of Raja Ravi Varma’s most celebrated works, Shakuntala portrays the Mahabharata heroine in a moment of romantic longing. She is shown pretending to remove a thorn from her foot while subtly glancing back at her lover, King Dushyanta. The painting beautifully demonstrates Varma’s skill in expressing emotion and storytelling through composition and gesture.

The Galaxy of Musicians

In this painting, Varma presents a group of women from different regions of India, each playing a musical instrument. Dressed in traditional attire, they symbolise the rich cultural diversity of the country. The artwork harmoniously brings together varied identities through music and visual unity.

Damayanti and the Swan

This work illustrates a scene from the Mahabharata where Damayanti converses with a swan, the messenger of her beloved King Nala. Varma emphasises her grace and elegance, while the calm natural setting enhances the sense of serenity and emotional depth in the scene.

Lady in the Moonlight

This painting captures a woman seated in soft moonlight, surrounded by a gentle, ethereal glow. Varma’s use of light creates a dreamy, romantic atmosphere, highlighting her delicate features and flowing garments.

The Victory of Indrajit

Depicting a dramatic episode from the Ramayana, this painting shows Indrajit in the heat of battle after unleashing his serpent weapon to defeat his enemy. The composition is dynamic and intense, reflecting movement, power, and the energy of the battlefield. (Compiled by Parbina Rashid)