Rama Vanquishing the Sea

Raja Ravi Varma's "Rama Vanquishing the Sea" depicts the moment Lord Rama, enraged by the impassable and turbulent ocean, aims his bow at the sea god Varuna to force him to calm the waters for his army's journey to Lanka. Just before Rama shoots, the god Varuna appears from the sea, begs for forgiveness, and calms the waters, thus averting the epic battle. The painting is a powerful portrayal of human-divine power dynamics, capturing Rama's determination and the ocean's formidable might. Rewrite a short version

In the late 19th century, oleographs - also called chromolithographs - became a revolutionary bridge between fine art and the public. Leading this transformation was Raja Ravi Varma, whose vision brought mythological gods, goddesses, and epic scenes into the homes of millions. To make his paintings accessible beyond the wealthy elite, Ravi Varma established the Ravi Varma Press in 1894 at Ghatkopar, later moved to Lonavala, pioneering high-quality colour lithography in India.

Each oleograph was created by transferring the image onto lithographic stones or metal plates, layering one colour at a time, and often enhancing details with fine handwork. This labour-intensive process, requiring master artisans and months of precision, gave the prints a luminous depth. Ravi Varma’s lithographs not only preserved his iconic depictions of characters from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, but also shaped the popular visual culture of India for generations.

Today, surviving originals are rare - cherished as both works of art and cultural treasures. They stand as vivid storytellers of India’s heritage, where pigment meets poetry, and the genius of Raja Ravi Varma continues to inspire.

(A_6132286 Rama Vanquishing The Ocean)