Who is the father of painting in India?

The father of painting in India?

The father of painting in India

There is no single “official” father of painting in India, because Indian painting has a very long and diverse history.
However, in modern Indian art, the title “Father of Modern Indian Painting” is widely given to:

Raja Ravi Varma

(1848–1906)

Why is he called the Father of Modern Indian Painting?

• He combined Indian subjects with European realist techniques.

• Popularized mythological themes through prints and oleographs, making art accessible to common people.

• Created iconic images of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Shakuntala, and many epic characters.

• Laid the foundation for modern visual culture in India.

➡️ Therefore, Raja Ravi Varma is regarded as the Father of Modern Indian Painting.