Raja Ravi Varma is famous for his realistic and romantic portrayals of Indian gods, goddesses, and mythological characters, particularly from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. He's considered the "father of modern Indian art" for his innovative use of European techniques like oil paints and lithography to depict Indian subjects. His work is also known for its affordability and accessibility, as he produced lithographs that were widely available to the public.