Plea to stop auction of Raja Ravi Varma paintings

Bangalore-based Bid and Hammer Auctioneers Private Ltd will conduct the auction at ITC Sheraton Hotel in Delhi.In the representation, K R Rama Varma Thampuran, Joint Secretary, Kilimanoor Palace Trust, said "the paintings of such a great artist being put in auction conducted by a private auction house is a 'slur' on the revered memory of the celebrated painter."

"Raja Ravi Varma paintings are considered as part of our national heritage and culture and a national treasure. Only the central government has the powers to carry on the business of selling art treasures and antiquities under the provisions of the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972," he said.Raja Ravi Varma was born in Kilimannor palace in 1848. Most of his paintings are based on Hindu mythology and characters.A copy of the representation was made available to the media.