Question

(a) (i) Which colours depicted in the Indian National Flag inspire us towards courage and sacrifice, peace and faith?
(ii) Explain how the flag inspires and helps in making you a committed citizen.
(b) Artwork are artist’s interpretations of what they experience. Answer the following for the painting from your course by Raja Ravi Varma:
(i) Name the painting and its medium.
(ii) Explain how skillfully the artist used the colours for expressing the emotions required to portray the subject-matter in this painting.

Hint:

For Raja Ravi Varma answers: Painting name → Oil on canvas → Realism + soft colours → Emotion through light and shade.

Answer 1

Option Chosen: (b) Raja Ravi Varma Painting (i) Name of the Painting and Medium: Painting: {Shakuntala} (also known as {Shakuntala looking back to glimpse Dushyanta}) Artist: Raja Ravi Varma Medium: Oil on canvas (ii) Use of Colours to Express Emotions: Raja Ravi Varma was a master of blending Indian themes with European academic realism. In the painting {Shakuntala}, he uses colour very effectively to convey delicate emotions of love, longing, and modesty. 1. Soft and Natural Colour Palette: The artist uses:

• Earthy browns and greens for the forest setting
• Gentle skin tones to highlight realism
• Light pastel shades for garments

These colours create a calm and romantic atmosphere. 2. Emotional Expression Through Colour Harmony: The warm tones surrounding Shakuntala emphasize:

• Tender love and yearning
• Feminine grace and innocence

The background foliage enhances the emotional depth without overpowering the central figure. 3. Realistic Use of Light and Shade: Raja Ravi Varma applies chiaroscuro (light and shadow) to:

• Give volume to the figure
• Highlight facial expressions and posture
• Create three-dimensional realism

4. Symbolic Colour Meaning: The natural environment symbolizes:

• Purity and simplicity of Shakuntala’s character
• Harmony between nature and human emotions

Emotional Impact of the Painting: The colour treatment supports the narrative moment where Shakuntala pretends to remove a thorn while actually turning back to look at Dushyanta. This subtle gesture is enhanced by:

• Soft lighting
• Harmonious tones
• Balanced composition

Together, they express shyness, love, and inner conflict. Conclusion: Through masterful use of oil colours, tonal gradation, and naturalistic lighting, Raja Ravi Varma successfully brings emotional realism to Indian mythological subjects. The painting {Shakuntala} stands as a perfect example of how colour can communicate mood, narrative, and psychological depth.