Digitisation of the photographic collection from DirghaMan and GaneshMan Chitrakar Art Foundation

Endangered Archives Programme

These glass plate negatives were taken by Dirgha Man (1877-1951) and Ganesh Man Chitrakar (1916-1985). They are interesting in the context of Nepal’s history as they were Court Photographers. Furthermore, Nepal did not open up to outside visitors until the early-1950s. The photographs that Dirgha Man took were taken in an exclusive setting that many people would not have had access to. A unique visual insight can be gained from these photographs. When Dirgha Man retired from his post in the Courts in 1945, his only son Ganesh Man took over his position and he worked in the courts until 1951. Majority of the photos are taken by Dirgha Man Chitrakar unless noted as Ganesh Man Chitrakar, or Photographer Unknown. The photographer for photographs taken in the mid 1940s can either be Dirgha Man or Ganesh Man. In these cases, the photographs have been ascribed to Dirgha Man Chitrakar. Total number of glass plate negatives taken by Dirgha Man and Ganesh Man Chitrakar: 1623. Custodial history: Dirghaman and Ganeshman Chitrakar Art Foundation. Arrangement: The content and copyright belongs to Kiran Man Chitrakar. The photographs were taken by his father and grandfather. Alternative calendar and date: This is the first time that the collection is archived and catalogued. The negatives have been arranged according to size and type. Type: Glass plate Size: 4.5X6.5, 6.5x8.5”, 10x12”, 8x10", 2.5x2.3", 12x15”. Type: Acetate Size: 120 mm, 35 mm, 3.9"x4.9" and 3.7"x3". Subject: A: Life in the Courts: Portraits and Ceremonies; B: Hunting; C: Rana Architecture; D: Jewellery and medals; E: Landscape and Temples; F: Ceremonies and Festivals; G: Portraits; H: Infrastructures; I: Photograph of Paintings. The digital files have been arranged according to type and subject.

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Type

Images

Website

https://eap.bl.uk/collection/EAP838-1

Country

Nepal

Access is for research purposes only

Publication Type

Article 5,196

Organization

Endangered Archives Programme 5,196

Year

2016 2
1987 23
1973 8
1972 199
1970 46
1966 27

General Baber Shamsher Rana on the motor vehicle saluting the Gurkha soldiers

Endangered Archives Programme · 1935

General Baber Shamsher Rana on the motor vehicle saluting the Gurkha soldiers.

Singha Durbar after the 1934 earthquake. It was constructed in 1903 by Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher. He employed Kumar and …

Endangered Archives Programme · 1934

Singha Durbar after the 1934 earthquake. It was constructed in 1903 by Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher. He employed Kumar and Kishor Narshing. The palace was designed after the Palace of …

Coronation ceremony of Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher (ruled 1934- 1945). Sitting: (left) General Arjun Shumsher, Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher. Standing …

Endangered Archives Programme · 1934

Coronation ceremony of Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher (ruled 1934- 1945). Sitting: (left) General Arjun Shumsher, Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher. Standing row (from left): General Shanker Shumsher, General Singha Shumsher, General …