There exists an undeniable fascination surrounding the regal echelons of society — our curiosity extends to the minutiae of their lives, including their daily habits, attire, and the rituals they observe. That which is commonplace for the masses invariably becomes a subject of intrigue when associated with royalty.
In a groundbreaking event, the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation proudly presents the exhibition titled “Daughter of Providence,” shedding light on the captivating life of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, who was the last sovereign of the princely state of Travancore, and notably, the esteemed granddaughter of the illustrious painter Raja Ravi Varma.
Gitanjali Maini, the dynamic Managing Trustee & CEO of the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, remarked that the timing of the exhibition coincided with the 176th birth anniversary of Raja Ravi Varma, the iconic royal artist. The exhibition was inaugurated in his honor, providing added significance to the opening on April 29.
A stunning array of photographs is at the heart of this exhibition, capturing the young Sethu Lakshmi Bayi in her formative years — some dating back to as early as 1897-98. These images were instrumental to Raja Ravi Varma, who used them for his portrait of the young princess who would one day ascend to the throne.
According to Gitanjali Maini, each artifact presented in “Daughter of Providence” is being shown to the public for the first time. This includes a wealth of photographs from the royal family archives, as well as intimate paintings of the Maharani and her husband. Amongst the repertoire stands a notably precious Raja Ravi Varma painting of the Maharani depicted as an infant, estimated to be between two-and-a-half to three years old.
Maini reflects on the exhibition’s central figure, Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, noting, “The entire exhibition has been curated to trace the journey of her life: from a young child to her regency, culminating in the last known photograph of her. It’s a comprehensive visual biography.”
She also emphasizes the unique opportunity that comes with managing a legacy. Connections previously unexplored — such as the intentional forethought by Ravi Varma in his granddaughter’s future, and his presence at her crowning — provide rich narrative threads that haven’t been woven into the art world’s tapestry until now. These are the very elements that lend the exhibition its unique selling proposition.
Recently acknowledged as the official foundation dedicated to all matters related to Raja Ravi Varma on February 29 of this year, the Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation has taken the painstaking effort of printing, restoring, and captioning family photographs to craft a “flow through” display on 10 walls, each accompanied by engaging stories.
Gitanjali Maini shares that the exhibition aims to fuse historical relevance with artistic display, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in an educational yet fulfilling narrative. The endeavor was to present a meaningful and previously uncharted perspective on the intersection of art, history, and regality.
Moreover, the exhibition poignantly illustrates the Maharani’s transition from influential queen to private citizen, a transition marked by dignity and grace.
The creative vision for “Daughter of Providence” was shaped by the Foundation and further enhanced through the research and documentation expertise of historian Manu S Pillai. Their collaborative effort underscores the Maharani’s rich tapestry of life and legacy.
Admirers of history, art, and royalty are welcomed to experience this journey through time, as the exhibition will remain open to the public until May 30. Located at the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, on the Mezzanine Level of 38 Maini Sadan, 7th Cross Lavelle Road, “Daughter of Providence” stands as an homage to a bygone era, inviting patrons to delve deep into the life and times of a distinguished figure in India’s colorful history.
