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

Pashupatinath Temple is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the subcontinent’s greatest Shiva sites. The roofs and pediments over the main doors are of gilded copper and the …


Endangered Archives Programme

Dagu Baha in Bhotahiti. The moanstery has six votive chaityas in the courtyard. The torana over the doorway depicts Ganesh, Saraswati, Sariputra, Maudgalyayana and Matrakala.


Endangered Archives Programme

Young girl in front of the Swayambhu Mahachaitya.



Endangered Archives Programme

Photo taken during all India tour with Ganesh Man Chitrakar and his family.


Endangered Archives Programme

USAID Reception for the National Panchayat Members.




Endangered Archives Programme

View of Kal Mochan Tirtha and Ghat with the dome-shaped Hiranya Narayan Temple. The pagoda temple, to the left, was constructed by Queen Tripura Sundari in 1828 in memory of …