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
Photo taken during all India tour with Ganesh Man Chitrakar and his family.
A function at Singha Durbar. 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 …
Copy of a photograph with Prime Minister Mohan Shamsher (center standing) with his son in law (right) and sons and grandchild.
Col Chandra Jung Thapa (far right) with British Residents during a hunting trip to Chitwan.
Group of Rana men. Sitting row, second from left is General Chandra Shamsher and third is Prime Minister Bir Shamsher.
The Newari bride and groom (center and left) pose for the camera.
Portraits: Nepal opened up to the outside only in 1950s. Cameras were only allowed to the Ranas and a few elites. The portraits taken before the 50s are interesting as …
Constuction of Koshi Canal in Rajbiraj, Saptari.
Copy of a painting of Bal Narasingha Kuwar, father of Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana.