Category: Art and Culture

Kshatriya Community is blessed by the birth of many talented and gifted persons who had made immense contributions in various spheres. The present series of articles published under the head ‘Talented Kshatriyas’ are just a bird’s eye view of their contributions and are not exhaustive. It is hoped that these articles will inspire the present generation and the generations to come to appreciate their contributions covering a wide spectrum – Culture, Religion, Science, Philosophy, Education, Administration, Management, Literature, Fine Arts and Music. We have to beckon the past to illumine the present. Our endeavour is to get a glimpse of the significance of their contributions in various fields and enable readers to think how those contributions can be connected to the modern transitions happening. Strong points of our age-old tradition and its assimilation to the present age are of great importance.

Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma Maharajah carved out a niche of his own and occupy the most exalted place among the Kings. He left us leaving a great legacy in the field of music.

Rama Varma was born as the second son of Regent Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai and Raja Raja Varma Koi Thampuran on 16.04.1813. His birth star was Chothi in the month of Medam. As there was no male member to rule Travancore at that time, Regent Rani was the ruler.

The famous lullaby, “Omana Thinkal Kidavo Nalla Komala Thamara Poovo…” was authored by Irayimman Thampi for Rama Varma.

When Rama Varma attained 2 years of age, his mother left the earth forever. After her demise, he was looked after by his mother’s youngest sister Rani Parvati Bai. She ruled Travancore until Rama Varma took over the reigns of Travancore at the age of 16 years. Even at this age he was well versed in many languages including Malayalam, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Hindustani and English. He also proved his brilliance in the field of classical music and literature.

Though he did not have the necessary administrative skills to run the Kingdom, with the support of elders and the British Officials he effectively and efficiently carried out his duties and responsibilities. He was instrumental in implementing many new projects and administrative reforms. It was during his tenure that the capital of Travancore was shifted from Kollam to Thiruvananthapuram. He initiated steps to establish a Government Press, the first institution of its kind. He also established Observatory, Free English School (the precursor to the University College), Public Library, Museum and Zoo and many other institutions. Rangavilasom Palace and Kuthiramalika were also constructed during his period. He had tremendous enthusiasm and his passion for music was admirable.

He evinced great interest in promoting and encouraging Artists, Musicians, Dancers, and Literary persons. He invited such talented persons from outside the State and provided all facilities for their stay and performance. He also enjoyed their performances.

Gradually the British Officials began to unnecessarily interfere in the day to day administration and this was a cause of dismay for him. The rift between him and the British widened. His association with Artists became more and more close and strong. This gave him joy and peace of mind.

He had to his credit many literary works and musical compositions. Though he had in depth knowledge of many languages, his writings were mostly in Sanskrit which shows his love of the language.

Many noteworthy poems were authored by him. Some of the poems he wrote are:-

Sreepadmanabha Sathakam Bhakti Manjari, Syanandarapura Varnanam, Kuchelopakhyanam, Ajamilopakhyanam, Ulsava Prabandham etc.

As per the available information, he authored 63 musical compositions in Malayalam, 197 in Sanskrit, 37 in Hindustani, 8 in Telugu, and one in Kannada.

The great musicians of that time, Thyagaraja Swamikal, Muthuswami Deekshitar, and Shyama Sasthrikal. They were blessed with long life and had many disciples. But Rama Varma lived only up to 33 years and left his physical body on 25-12-1846. He didn’t have any disciple. He contributed much to various fields especially in the field of classical music though his life ended at a young age of 33 years .

During the period when he was alive and even after his demise, some mischievous persons tried their level best to discredit him by creating unfounded allegations regarding the authorship of his works. This conspiracy was cracked and conspirators were exposed by the untiring efforts of Dr. R.P.Raja (our beloved Kunjannan Chettan). He is a known Historian. He collected all the facts and evidences and he published a book titled ” New Light on Swathi Thirunal”. With the publication of this book, all the accusations levelled against Rama Varma faded into oblivion.

The priceless memory of the great King and composer still occupies the pride of place in the hearts of music lovers.

( This is only a very brief account of the life of Swathi Thirunal and is not an exhaustive and in depth study of him.)

Image Credit: By Stephen Crening – COMPANY SCHOOL WATERCOLOURS, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39282094

Song Credit : Enchanting Melodies

Today, 29.04.2020 is the day of celebration for artists world over. Today is the 173rd birthday of the world renowned artist Raja Ravi Varma. He was born at Kilimanoor, Thiruvananthapuram on 29.04.1848. He was popularly known as the artist among Kings and the King among the artists.
 
Kshatriya Kshema Sabha celebrated today as the day of remembrance of Raja Ravi Varma. Many artists have drawn pictures as an offering to the great artist to keep aflame his sweet memories. 

He was born as the son of Ezhumavil Neelakantan Bhattathiripad and Umaba Bahai Thampuratty. His birth star – Poorooruttathi. Even as a child he had great fascination for drawing pictures. His drawings filled the walls of Kilimanoor Palace. 

His artistic skills caught the attention of his parents and relatives. Raja Raja Varma, the artist attached to the Travancore Palace taught Ravi Varma the nuances of drawing and painting. Ravi Varma also proved his ability to sing Kathakali songs.

His fame as an artist began when he painted the portrait of Lord Baking in oil base. This was exhibited at the Madras office of Lord Baking. His astounding artistic skill surprised many and his name spread. 

Ravi Varma was honoured by the Maharaja of Travancore with ‘Veera Shrinkala’ in the year 1871. Thereafter, he joined as an artist of the palace.

In the year 1873, an exhibition of artists was arranged at Madras. The painting of Raja Ravi Varma titled ‘Nair woman adorning jasmine’ secured the first prize. With this, his fame spread beyond the boundaries of India.

In the year 1876, his painting ‘The love letter of Shakuntala’ was acclaimed as a fantastic painting. This painting was bought by Lord Benkin. Seeing this painting, Sir Moniar Williams sought the permission to use it as the front cover page of his English version of the book ‘Abhijnana Sakunthalam’.

At the young age of 28 years, he became a world famous artist. 
He has to his credit many noteworthy paintings. Few of them are:-

   Gypsies of South India 
   Hamsa – Damayanthi dialogue
   Father is coming
   Radha and Krishna
   Birth of Srikrishna
   Viswamitra and Menaka
   Nala and Damayanti
   Seetha Devi
   Lakshmi Devi 
   Saraswathi Devi etc.

He bid farewell to the world in 02.10.1906.

At his birthplace, Kilimanoor, stands an art gallery which exhibits about 55 of his paintings. It is a gallery worth visiting and experiencing the beauty of Ravi Varma paintings. 

The very memory of Raja Ravi Varma generates ripples of enthusiasm among the budding artists . To commemorate his birthday through ‘Respect by Pictures’ many young and aged artists paid their respects.
 
The Sabha is very thankful to all the artists who joyfully, enthusiastically and actively made this day memorable by offering due respect to the noble soul and sending it to the Website of the Sabha.