Pratiksha (Marathi) 5th Edition

The novel is a graphic description of Raja Ravi Verma's life which begins with his early childhood days in his native place, Kilimanoor, a typical Kerala village. His development as an young artist under the guidance of his maternal uncle Raja Raj Verma and the King Ayilyam Thimnal, receiving the title Raja' and the honor of Veershinkala', his marriage, conflicts with his wife due to the Matriarch system and his paintings of young ladies, tell the reader how a great painter's mind is torn between the passion of painting and the traditional family background.

Ravi Verma's life in Mumbai, his studio, his meetings with the beautiful ladies Sugandha and Franny throw light on his romantic personality, his devotion to the art of painting, his large heartedness towards his servants and family members. The praises he received from the great personalities tell much about the quality of his art and his popularity. The invitations and warm welcome from the kings and princes make the readers realize how Ravi Verma was the prince among the painters and painter among the prince. The dialogues in the novel captivate the reader till the end of the novel. They give not only the philosophy of art but also the philosophy of life - of India's best known and most honored painter.