The blessings of the creator showers indiscriminate to the caste, creed, race, community, rich and poor. Such blessings transit the dusting diamond in the mud to a glittering crown of glory.
This has come true in the case of K.Rajaiah, who was born in a poor family in a remote place. From there he scaled the heights of excellence in art, of course with all his effort.
Rajaiah is considered to be the one who brought revolutionary changes in the modern Indian art. His work spread the fragrance of the sweet scent of mud toiling lifestyles of Telugus in villages.
On April 6, 1925 Rajaiah was born to a small trader Raghavulu, in Siddipet of Medak district. He was the third child with two elder sisters. At a very early age his life faced many a turbulence after his father's demise. His father's friend Marka Chandraiah helped the family in bringing up the children.
It was in the 6th standard when the inner talent of Rajaiah for painting was exhibited for the first time, which was heartily inspired and supported by his drawing teacher Kuberudu. In 1943, Rajaiah got admitted into Central School of Arts and Crafts in Hyderabad. Later, he received Lower Group in Arts in 1945 from Madras, Intermediate certificate in Arts in 1946 from Hyderabad, Diploma in Art , Higher teacher training certificate during 1947 and completed higher secondary certificate from Hyderabad in 1952.
Rajaiah's paintings that were exhibited in Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Ahmedabad, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Rumania, Bulgaria and Hungary brought never ending reputation and laurels to him. Nationally and internationally his paintings were presented in 15 one-man shows.
Over 50 awards were conferred on Rajaiah for his explicit performance. Few among them are Gold Medals in 1956 Kerala Budha Jayanthi festival and at 1958 Delhi All India Arts Exhibition. He received the Best award at the 1960 Gwalior All India Exhibition, and at 1963 Bangalore, 1964 Mysore exhibitions he got the First prizes and at 1978 All India Arts exhibition at Hyderabad he got the Gold Medal. He was honoured in 1974 and 1976.
The state government of Andhra Pradesh felicitated Rajaiah in 1966 with Rajata Patra, and in 1969 with Tamra Patra. In 1975 Rajaiah was titled as Chitra Kala Prapurna.
Vaddera Mahila, Yellamma Jogi, Gopika Krishna, Panta Polalu, Vasantha Keli, Kolatam and so on goes the list of Rajaiah's paintings scoring to hundreds. He never restricted himself to paintings alone. He is also a writer and has close relations with the stage too.
Address:
K. Rajaih,
Raja Kala Bhavan,
H.No: 10-4-83, Nehru Nagar,
Siddipet, Medak district,
Andhra Pradesh - 502 103.
