Garhwali Chitrkala

Himalayan Art
Art of Uttarakhand
Garhwali Chitrkala
Art of Garhwal
Garhwali Paintings
Critics and Historians of art of Garhwal or Garhwali Chitrakala
( Briefing by Dr Shiv Prasad Dabral, Dr Yashvant Katoch, Budhiballabh Dyundi ‘Sathpathi’ and Durgawati Dyundi )
Compilation by Bhishma Kukreti
This write up is meant for those who are interested in knowing about the references, art critics and art historians.
1-We get first reference about Garhwali art from the notes of an English woman sister Nivedita (disciple of Swami Viveka Nand ) about the artistic characteristics of temples around of Shrinagar Garhwal.
2- Metcalf seems to be first historian who threw lights on art of Garhwal in his articles on Rajput Style of Art
3-- E T Attickson provided some reference on Garhwali art and handcraft in Himalayan Gazetteer (1882-1884)
4-Kumarswamy a famous art historian published his book in 1916 Rajput Painting wherein he positioned Garhwali paintings with Pahadi Paintings. From 1908 onwards Kumarswamy traveled many Himalayan places for his research on Rajput style of painting. Before that Kumarswamy used for providing references of Garhwali paintings in his speeches all over world. In true sense Kumarswamy is modern historian who talked about garhwali paintings and later on his disciple Barrister Mukandi Lal worked thorough research on Garhwali paintings.
5- Pundit Hairbrush Raturi provided references of Garhwali kings appreciating and promoting Garhwali art in his Garhwal ka Itiyash
6- O.C Ganguli provided detailing on the paintings of Maularam in his famous book ‘Master Pieces of Rajput Paintings’(1926)
7-The work of N C Mehta is very important for imitating the researches of Garhwali art as he mentioned that Kangada style of painting ‘Gee Govind’ is related to Garhwali style of painting in his famous boo’ Studies in Indian Paintings’(1926..This book inspired research scholars to search specifics of Garhwali paintings.
8- J.C French published his well researched book on the art of Himalayan Kingdoms ‘Himalayan Art’ (1931. For this research French traveled Garhwal and other kingdoms of Himalaya. French appreciated the work of Maularam in his book and research papers.
9-W .G Archer published two books in 1956 -Indian Paintings in Punjab and Kangada-Paintings. Archer proved that Maularam used to copies his original work for many uses as gifting to other celebrities.
10-M S Randhava published three books in 1952 ‘Knagda Valley Paintings’, Krishna Legend in Pahadi Paintings and Basuli Paintings. M S Randhava . Randhava mentioned that Garhwali kings used to give paintings in dowry on the occasions of their daughters, nieces.
11-Carl Khandalwala published a large volume ‘Pahadi Miniature Paintings ‘ wherein he described / interpreted the research works of Barrister Mukandi Lal in details.
12- K L Vaidy published a book ‘Pahadi Chitrakal’, wherein there is details on Garhwali paintings.
13- Vachaspati Gairola provided details of Garhwali paiting in his book Bhartiy Hirakata (1963) and proved that Garhwali paintings started from fifteenth century.
14-Mulkraj anand, Ajit Ghosh, Gotz, Garlswarth also provided glimpses of Garhwali paintings in their works of art crtics.
15-Chakravarty wrote about Garhwali paintings in Ruplekha :part 22 (1951)
16-Barrister Mukandi Lal is called the father of writing, researched on Garhwali paintings and from his young age he wrote about garhwali paintings. In 1969, he published his famous book ‘Garhwali Painting’ Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi wrote the introductory notes of this book.
17-There are articles (mostly of barrister Mukandi Lal ) in the following magazines, newsletters, books etc
A-Rup Lkehs part 26(2)
B- Himachal Prashashthi, 6th part, 1970
C-Uttarakhand Bharti ,Nainital, 1973
D-Bharat Kala Bhavan Suchipatr, 1945
E-Uttarakhand Bharti, issue-2,1973
F-Vishal Bharat issue 1, January 1928
G-Rupam (21Vol) 1921
H-Sarswati, September, 1940
I- Hindustani from 1932-1944
J-Tripathga (Kala ank) 1952
K-Nehru Smarak Granth 1949
L- Uttarakhand Bharti, Nainital, 1973
M-Illustrated weekly, 3rd June 1973
N- Sammelan patrika (1980), Allahabad
O-vasudhara
P- Barrister Mukandi Lal Smiriti Granth 1986
18-Dr Yashvant Katoch has written books and articles on this subjects
19-Dr Shiv Prasad quoted many paintings in his books Uttarakhand ka Itihas an provided photographs of many paintings in his books --Uttarakhand ka Itihas 9 volumes
20-Dr Mohan Babulkar wrote about Jaunsar art in many magazines
21-budhiballabh Dyundi and Durgavati Dyundi wrote many articles on garhwali chitrkala