Raja Ravi Varma Painting Breaks Records and Became Most Expensive Ever in India

History created by for the Indian Art as the Yashoda and Krishna by the Raja Ravi Varma has become the most expensive painting which was ever sold in India. This masterpiece of the painting grabbed the record-breaking ₹167.20 crore at an auction in Mumbai and with this it has set the new benchmark for Indian artworks worldwide. This sale not just highlights of Varma’ work but also showcasing the recognition of India’s rich artistic heritage.

‘Yashoda and Krishna’ Creates History at Auction

The iconic ‘Yashoda and Krishna’ painting which was created in the 1890ss and it was sold for ₹167.20 crore (around USD 17.98 million).

And it has making the costliest modern Indian artwork which have ever auctioned.

This painting record has surpassed the previous benchmark which was set by works of the M F Husain whose paintings had earlier dominated the high-value auctions.

The sale of this showcase the increasing demand and value of the Indian classical and the modern art in global markets.

A Masterpiece That Brings Mythology to Life

‘Yashoda and Krishna’ beautifully captures the tender moment from the Indian mythology in which Yashoda is seen milking the cow and the little Krishna playfully reaches for the goblet of milk. With the blend of the emotion, realism and the divine storytelling this scene looks poetic.

His mastery to make the oil paintings and after the art has life like quality and making the mythological theme more relatable.

Who Bought the Record-Breaking Painting?

The painting was purchased by the Cyrus S Poonawalla who is the Chairman of the Serum Institute of India.

He described this artwork as the national treasure and expressed his thoughts to preserve the painting carefully and make it available for public viewing periodically.

this ensures that the painting artwork is still remains accessible to art lovers and the public.

Why Raja Ravi Varma’s Art Is So Valuable

Raja Ravi Varma is considered as India’s one of the best painters.

He had introduced the European oil painting techniques to Indian art and blended the realism with Indian mythology.

He also made the art accessible to common people through prints.

His works transformed how the Indians visualized the gods and the mythological figures and making them like more human type and make relatable.

Legacy of Raja Ravi Varma in Indian Art

He was born in 1848 in Travancore, Kerala. He had played the revolutionary role to shaping modern Indian art.

One of his main contributions was setting up the lithographic press in 1894. This press has helped the mass-produce affordable prints of his paintings.

This allowed his iconic depictions paintings on the gods like Krishna to reach the homes across India.

Today, his works continue to inspire artists and remain highly sought after by collectors.

Question

Q. Raja Ravi Varma is best known for,

A. Abstract modern art techniques
B. Combining European realism with Indian mythological themes
C. Digital art innovations
D. Sculpture and architecture