Son Recalls Artist R Krishna Rao's Historic Madras Central Painting

Srichandar K., a resident of West Mambalam, has shared memories of the artistic legacy of his late father, R. Krishna Rao, highlighting a watercolour painting of the Central railway station that drew public attention in the late 1940s or early 1950s.

Rao, a native of Madurai who designed the Tamil Nadu state emblem in 1949, developed a close bond with Madras after moving to the city. The painting of the railway terminus was created on the spot while Rao sat on the western bank of the Buckingham Canal abutting the former Central Jail. Srichandar noted that the artwork sold rapidly during a group show in which his father took part.

Rao's decision to pursue art began after he met K. C. S. Paniker in Madurai, who pioneered the Madras Art Movement. Prior to gaining admission to the Government School of Fine Arts the following year, Rao worked at an architecture firm in Madras and dedicated his time to painting the city's landmarks on location.

While the original painting is believed to be held in a residence in Chennai, Srichandar has preserved a sepia-tinted print of the watercolour work. He noted that Madras played a formative role in shaping his father's artistic development.