Nationality Indian Died 1945 | Name Nandikolla Rao | |
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Born 1880 British India | ||
Gopala Rao.Nandikolla (Telugu: గోపాల రావు) is known as the " Father of Modern Art " of Andhra Pradesh was an Indian painter. He was a renowned Painter during the early 20th century during British Raj in South India, who achieved recognition for his paintings on Hindu epics, landscapes, portraits of maharajahs and maharanis of his days. His innovations in the field of painting influenced the course of Indian art for many more years to come after his death.
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Early life
N. Gopala Rao was born at Injaram near Cocanada (presently Kakinada) East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh . his father Nandikolla Venkateswarao was a wealthy landlord. and N.Gopala Rao was the munsiff for Injaram during the British Raj. N.Gopala Rao was married to N. Surnarayanama.
Career
N. Gopala Rao was the most honoured artist by the Rajas of Vizianagaram, Bobbili, Pithapuram, Parlakimidi and Tuni, where he was invited to their courts to paint the portraits of the Kings. The art was not well recognized due to colonial rule where Indian artists lacked opportunities. N. Gopala Rao was an artist in the style of Raja Ravi Varma. Most of his paintings were chromolithographed in Germany as colour and clarity was far superior than the prints available during his days,it was also very expensive sending to Germany. Gopala Rao gave new life to Hindu epics through his paintings.During the 1920-1930 he was at the peak of his carrier.His paintings were forwarded through a merchant Mr B.L.Narayana Rao an exporter and importer and forwarding agent Kakinad
N. Gopala Rao's brother N. Venkata Reddi Naidu was a landscape and portrait painter, he learned his artistic skills from his eldest brother N.Gopala Rao. Nandikolla Venkata Reddi Naidu accompanied his brother to many competitions.Gopala Rao's eldest daughter was married to Raja K.J.V.Naidu of Kuppam