R. K. Laxman 1924 – 2015

Biography

Rajinder Kumar Laxman was born on October 24, 1924, in Mysore, India, during a time of great cultural and political change in the subcontinent. From his early years, he would develop into one of India’s most celebrated visual artists, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cartooning and illustration that would span decades.

Throughout his career, Laxman distinguished himself as a versatile and talented artist, working across multiple mediums including cartooning, illustration, and fine art. His keen eye for observation and his ability to capture the nuances of everyday life made his work both accessible and deeply meaningful to audiences across India and beyond.

On January 26, 2015, Laxman passed away in Pune at the age of 90, succumbing to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. His death marked the end of an extraordinary artistic journey that had enriched Indian culture and visual storytelling for generations.