Who is 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.