Ravi Varma is a peculiar example of Indian art. Basically, he employed European styles to Indian themes. Now, of course, his style has become a part of the cultural norm, with many homes worshipping his depictions of gods, without having a clue of who Ravi Varma was. Ravi Varma, as far as I know, never influenced other Indian artists.
The article, on the other hand, is about Rajput art, i.e., artists of that time and region created in that style. There are plenty of other regional styles, which may possibly help in understanding their cultures. Ravi Varma's paitings would be of little help there. That's not to say his paintings are good works of art. They are. But I think people have very different motivations for seeking ethnic art and mainstream art.
The article, on the other hand, is about Rajput art, i.e., artists of that time and region created in that style. There are plenty of other regional styles, which may possibly help in understanding their cultures. Ravi Varma's paitings would be of little help there. That's not to say his paintings are good works of art. They are. But I think people have very different motivations for seeking ethnic art and mainstream art.