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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Endangered Archives Programme

An event at Bhaktapur Durbar Square in front of Nyatapole Temple.




Endangered Archives Programme

Cows grazing in the field at Swayambhu. The Swayambhu Mahachaitya is visible in the background, on top of the hill.



Endangered Archives Programme

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


Endangered Archives Programme

Order of Om-Ram-Patta is conferred on the Royal family is awarded to all the followers of Hindu faith who set bright examples of national service.


Endangered Archives Programme

From Left: General Shanker Shumsher, General Kaiser Shumsher, unidentified, King Tribhuvan, General Bahadur Shumsehr during a hunting trip to Chitwan.


Endangered Archives Programme

A wooden bridge. Two men are seen in the photograph.


Endangered Archives Programme

Bhairab Temple outside Rani Pokhari, Kathmandu.