Ramachandran’s
books for children:
A Belated Homecoming
Siddharth Sivakumar

Speaking about the future of illustrated children’s books in India, some years back, Ramachandran
had said, “To discuss the future of children’s picture books in the Indian context is like discussing the
future of an unborn child”. But the initiative taken by the Vadehra Art Gallery in making Ramachandran’s
books available for the delight of young Indian readers is a silver lining that promises a brighter future.
A distinctive feature of Ramachandran’s illustrations is the use of different traditional art forms, or
adoption of certain culture specific motif and stylized treatments. This, as the blurb claims, was done
in order “to acquaint children with the vibrant image of Indian conceptual art which help children to
develop an aesthetic sense and thus grow up as sensitive human beings.”
While browsing through his books one realises that the emphasis on myths and nature are distinctive
of Ramachandran’s illustrations. The motif of travel or adventure is a recurring theme in many of them
and he uses it to explore the natural world as well as the world of visual art. Through his illustrations,
children are made aware of the rich environmental assets at a tender age when the mind is receptive; in
such unprejudiced mind the natural, moral and the visual sensibilities grow unconsciously, leaving an
everlasting impression.

His illustrations ensure that the imagination of the little
observers is always at play. His Bhima and the Fragrant Flower
is motivated by an episode from the Mahabharata, while The
Golden City is adapted from Sanskrit classic, Kathasaritasagara
of Somadeva. Others such as The Bad King who Became a Good
King and Jivya and the Tiger God, Dakiya the Mail Man were
created in response to his encounter with the varied Indian
tradition. Nonetheless though each of them presents some moral
value more importantly they tell a story with visual pleasure and
delicate humour.