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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Nepal
Access is for research purposes only
Publication Type
- 5,196
Organization
- 5,196
Year
- 2
- 23
- 8
- 199
- 46
- 27
Endangered Archives Programme · 1913
Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher's car.
Endangered Archives Programme · 1912
A high ranking lady of the court, probably a nanny. The hairstyle and the wardrobe show the status and respect given to the woman inside the palace.
Endangered Archives Programme · 1911
Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher Rana with King George V and other officials in the hunting ground of Chitwan in 1911.
Endangered Archives Programme · 1911
The three-tiered Kakeshwar temple dedicated to Vishnu was originally built in 1681 and rebuilt after the 1934 earthquake. Thetop part of the temple collasped in the 2015 earthquake. In the …
Endangered Archives Programme · 1911
Painting of Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher presented to HRH Prince of Whales Edward VIII during his visit to Nepal. Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher has his back to the camera and …
Endangered Archives Programme · 1910
Indra Chowk and, on the left, Akash Bhairav Temple during the Indra Jatra festival. This most spectacular event lasts eights days, in honour of the rain gods, at the end …
Endangered Archives Programme · 1910
Dharahara or the Bhimsen Tower was built during the 19th century by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa. The tower imitating the Mughal minarets was erected just outside the Kathmandu city walls, …
Endangered Archives Programme · 1910
Kathmandu Durbar Square before World War I, as can be seen from the uniforms of the Gurkha soldiers. The background shows Kumari Temple which houses the Living Goddess. On the …
Endangered Archives Programme · 1910
Ritual offering to the diety Kal Bhairav, whose statue was installed by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century at Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu. The ferocious god is also known as …
