Kerala's fine art world always celebrates the rich and fascinating works of its own illustrious artist, Raja Ravi Varma. In discussions about the giants of art over the last few centuries, Raja Ravi Varma stands atop the list of God's Own Country's finest stalwarts. Varma was a trailblazer and the first modernist in the fine art tradition as he introduced a new realistic style of painting with his stunning portraits. His works reflected the rich Indian culture and artistic traditions while embracing Western art styles. Scholars praise his remarkable ability to realistically portray the fragility, emotions, and vulnerability of humans and other characters and his special attention to minute detailing. Ravi Varma's immaculate skill played a crucial role in spreading Indian art worldwide. His paintings strongly emphasized the beauty of Indian women and depicted characters from Hindu mythology, which were adored by all. 

Born in 1848, Raja Ravi Varma belonged to the Kilimanoor Palace of Travancore, where signs of his genius were evident from a young age. The walls of the palace served as his first canvas, where the masterpieces of the future were initially glimpsed. Shakuntala, Yasoda with Krishna Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lady with Veena, Shakuntala Pathralekhan (Shakuntala writing a letter), Galaxy of Musicians, There comes Papa, Mother and Child, Milkmaid, Maharashtrian Lady, Jatayu Vadha (Killing Jatayu) are some of the iconic works of Raja Ravi Varma. 

Today, a large collection of his work can be seen at the Sree Chithra Art Gallery, located in the Napier Museum compound in Thiruvananthapuram. The gallery is open from 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. every day except Mondays. Visitors can enjoy a riveting display, featuring works from Raja Ravi Varma to Roerich, pieces from the Mughal, Rajput, and Tanjore Schools of Art, and artifacts from the Ajanta and Bagh Caves. The gallery also includes an oriental collection from China, Japan, Tibet, and Bali.