R. Krishna Rao: A Watercolour Journey Through Old Madras and the Birth of a State Emblem

Imagine being the person who designed the very emblem representing your entire state. That's precisely one of the many hats worn by R. Krishna Rao, a name perhaps not universally known, but whose artistic legacy profoundly shaped Tamil Nadu. This brilliant artist, a native of Madurai, isn't just celebrated for crafting the Tamil Nadu state emblem back in 1949; he also left behind an extraordinary visual testament to a bygone era: a watercolour painting of the Madras Central railway station that feels like stepping right into the late 1940s or early 1950s.

The painting itself is a true marvel. It captures a vibrant, bustling scene of the iconic Central railway station, viewed from a fascinating, perhaps even a bit unusual, perspective – specifically, from the western bank of the Buckingham Canal, right where the former Central Jail once stood. What a glimpse into history! It's not just a station; it's a moment frozen in time, depicting the architectural grandeur and the everyday life of Madras as it was then. For anyone with a fondness for Chennai's past, or indeed, for Indian history in general, this piece truly resonates.

Rao's artistic journey is quite compelling. Originally from Madurai, his path crossed with K. C. S. Paniker, a towering figure who would later spearhead the groundbreaking Madras Art Movement. This encounter must have been pivotal, as Rao soon found himself admitted to the Government School of Fine Arts the very next year. But here’s a delightful detail: even before his formal art education, he was already honing his craft. While working at an architecture firm in Madras, he'd often be found painting city landmarks directly on the spot. Talk about dedication and raw talent! He was, in a way, documenting the city's pulse, capturing its essence in real-time long before Instagram.

Today, the original watercolour's precise whereabouts remain a bit of a mystery, though it's widely believed to reside in one of Chennai's private residences. However, thanks to his son, Srichandar K., who lives in West Mambalam, a precious sepia-tinted print of this magnificent artwork survives. This print, a tangible link to his father's genius, offers a window, albeit a faded one, into the original's beauty and the artist's incredible skill. It ensures that Krishna Rao's vision of Old Madras continues to be seen and appreciated.

R. Krishna Rao truly gifted us more than just a painting or an emblem; he bequeathed a legacy of artistry and a deep connection to the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu. His ability to distill the spirit of a place and a time into such beautiful forms makes his work invaluable, reminding us of the rich history that continues to echo through the streets of modern-day Chennai.