In Memorium: Dr. Moti Chandra

Summary

This obituary by P. C. Das Gupta honours Dr Moti Chandra (1909–1974), an eminent art historian and museum professional whose writings opened new vistas in the study of Indian painting and sculpture. Born in Varanasi, Moti Chandra studied Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Urdu and Persian and developed a special interest in Mughal and Rajput painting. He received his Ph.D. in London in 1933 for a thesis on Ragamala painting and later served as Curator of the Art Section at the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India from 1937 to 1950. As curator he organised exhibitions, catalogued collections and undertook research that highlighted neglected aspects of Indian art. The article notes that he was later appointed Director of the museum and was involved with the Lalit Kala Akademi and the Museums Association of India, where he advocated for higher standards of curation and scholarship. Das Gupta emphasises Moti Chandra’s deep insight into Indian painting techniques and credits his books ‘Technique of Mughal Painting’ and ‘Miniature Paintings in Western India’ with advancing the field. He also wrote on textile and jewellery history, jade and ivory carving and contributed to the understanding of Jain painting through his collaboration with Umakant P. Shah. The obituary suggests that his ability to synthesise textual research with artistic analysis made him a unique figure among Indian art historians. Moti Chandra died on 17 December 1974, and the author reflects on the loss of a loving ācārya whose guidance and interpretations enriched India’s museums and scholarly institutions. Das Gupta closes with a verse likening the scholar to a brave soul whose rest is honoured by his nation.