Is there an official foundation dedicated to the legacy of Raja Ravi Varma?
According to the Collins Dictionary, the word “Official” means approved by the government or by someone in authority.
Which laws govern this aspect in India?
The law governing intellectual property is the Copyright Act of 1957. The other law is the Antiques and Art Treasures Act of 1972.
How does the Copyright Act, 1957 deal with the intellectual property of Raja Ravi Varma?
Section 22 of the Copyright Act states that copyright subsists only for a period of sixty years after the death of the maker. With the death of the artist in 1906, by 1967, his paintings were in public domain and therefore not exclusively controlled by any person, family or organization. The amendment to the copyright act for engravings, as in prints, came in only in 1914, also after the death of the artist.
So the Copyright Act does not confer exclusive right on any person, family or organization.
What about the Antiques and Art Treasures Act, 1972?
Ravi Varma was initially declared an art treasure in 1979 and after 2006, his paintings are deemed to be antiquities. Section 16 provides for the registration of antiquities before a registering officer.
Can there be an external agency to officially deal with the works of Raja Ravi Varma under the Antiques and Art Treasures Act, 1972?
To remove any confusion, an application was made under the Right to Information Act to the Archaeological Survey of India which asked:
“Is there any notification issued by the Archaeological Survey of India under the provisions of the Antiques and Art Treasures Act 1972 authorizing any external agency or person to give an opinion or certificate in relation to the authenticity of a painting by Raja Ravi Varma? If so, please furnish a copy of the notification.”
What was the reply from the Archaeological Survey of India?
On 27th April 2026, the reply was:
“No such authorization has been made by ASI.”
What is the conclusion?
No law in India confers the status of an official foundation for the legacy of Raja Ravi Varma. All foundations, scholars and academicians have different voices. However, none of them are authorized by the Government of India.
This is issued in public interest.