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

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
Country

Publication Type

Year

Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

Indrayani an open air shrine underneath an old spreading tree in Indrayani Khyo in Bhaktapur. It is characteristic of many other shrines of the Matrikas. The elevated area is guarded …


Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

Tankeswari Temple in Tahachal, Kathmandu that houses a Shiva linga.


Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

Maheshwari shrine in Maheswari Ghat in Bhaktapur.


Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

Kathmandu Durbar Square during the rice-feeding ceremony of Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah.


Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

The face of Tika Bhairav, a polychrome mural, near Lele village. A vegetation filled vessal in front of the mural symbolizes his shakti.


Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

Dattatreya Temple in Olakhu in Patan. This two-storey temple is made of brick. The torana over the entrance on the ground floor depicts Jagannath. Both roofs are supported by carved …


Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

Procession during the rice feeding ceremony of HRH Crown Prince Dipendra in 1972. Crown Prince is seated in the carriage.


Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

Officials on an elephant during the rice-feeding ceremony of Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah.



Endangered Archives Programme · 1972

At Narayanhiti Palace during the rice-feeding ceremony of Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah.