Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

The frescoes, known locally as Bhitti Chitras, flourished on the walls and ceilings of numerous monuments in Kangra district during the 19th century. Sadly, they are now in a state of severe neglect. These mural paintings once adorned the walls of temples and forts in the region, depicting epic tales of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. They were once a vibrant testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.

Bhitti Chitras: India's Mural Art

Bhitti Chitras are a form of traditional Indian mural art, typically found on the walls of houses, temples, and other buildings. The term "Bhitti" means "wall" and "Chitra" means "picture" in Sanskrit.  

Key characteristics of Bhitti Chitras:

• Preparation of the wall: The wall was carefully prepared with a mixture of lime and surkhi (powdered burnt clay) to create a smooth and durable surface.
• Pigment preparation: Natural pigments derived from minerals, plants, and other natural sources were ground and mixed with a binding medium.
• Themes: Often depict religious motifs, mythological stories, and scenes from daily life.
• Style: Vary widely across different regions of India, reflecting the local cultural and artistic traditions.
• Painting: The artists worked swiftly as the plaster was still wet, applying the pigments with brushes or their fingers.
• Finishing touches: Once the painting was complete, it was often coated with a protective layer to enhance its longevity.

Significance of Bhitti Chitras:

• Cultural Heritage: They are an important part of India's cultural heritage, preserving traditional art forms and storytelling.
• Religious Devotion: Many Bhitti Chitras depict religious figures and stories, serving as a form of worship and spiritual inspiration.
• Community Art: They often reflect the collective artistic expression of a community.

Where to Find Bhitti Chitras in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and Bhitti Chitras are a significant part of it. These murals often depict scenes from Hindu mythology, particularly those related to deities like Shiva, Parvati, Krishna, and Rama. They also showcase local folk tales and everyday life.

While many have faded or been lost, several places still retain these artistic marvels.

Kangra Valley: The Heart of Bhitti Chitras

As mentioned earlier, the Kangra Valley is particularly rich in Bhitti Chitras. Here are some notable locations:

• Kangra Fort: Though much of its original beauty has been lost, remnants of Bhitti Chitras can still be found within the fort complex.
• Temples in Kangra District: Several temples in the district, including those dedicated to Radha Krishna, The Ram Gopal Temple, for instance, showcased the entire Ramayana narrative, from Lord Rama's coronation to his triumphant return to Ayodhya, and Brijraj Swami, on the other hand, was a canvas for the enchanting tales of Krishna's Raas Leela once boasted stunning Bhitti Chitras. While their condition might have deteriorated, they still hold historical and artistic significance.
• Narvadeshwar Temple, Sujanpur: Narvadeshwar Temple in Sujanpur, a masterpiece commissioned by Maharani Prasanna Devi in 1802, was another jewel in the crown. Its walls and ceiling were transformed into a sprawling narrative, blending the intricate beauty of Kangra miniature paintings with the grandeur of mural art. This temple is renowned for its intricate Bhitti Chitras depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Other Region

While the Kangra Valley is the epicentre, Bhitti Chitras can also be found in another part of Himachal Pradesh:

• Chamba: The Devi Kothi Temple in Chamba stands as a remarkable example of the region's rich Bhitti Chitra tradition. Built during the reign of Raja Umed Singh (1748-1764), the temple is adorned with stunning mural paintings that showcase the exceptional artistic skills of the era. These Bhitti Chitras, deeply influenced by the intricate style of Chamba miniature paintings, depict mythological narratives with unparalleled detail. Scenes of Devi and Krishna vanquishing demons are brought to life on the temple walls, offering a visual spectacle that continues to awe visitors centuries later.

Challenges Faced by Bhitti Chitra Artists

The art of Bhitti Chitras, while undeniably beautiful and culturally significant, has faced numerous challenges over the centuries, leading to its decline.

Historical Challenges

• Ephemeral nature: As Bhitti Chitras were directly painted on wet plaster, their longevity was dependent on the wall's durability. Factors like weather, earthquakes, and human interference often led to their deterioration or destruction.
• Lack of patronage: With the decline of princely states and the rise of modern art forms, patronage for Bhitti Chitras dwindled, leading to a decline in the number of artists practising this art.
• Time-consuming process: Creating a Bhitti Chitra was a time-consuming and labour-intensive process, requiring skilled artisans to work rapidly before the plaster dried. This made it economically less viable compared to other art forms.

Modern Challenges

• Loss of traditional knowledge: With the passing of generations, the knowledge of traditional pigment preparation, wall preparation, and painting techniques has been lost.
• Lack of skilled artisans: There is a dearth of skilled artists who can traditionally create Bhitti Chitras.
• Conservation challenges: Preserving existing Bhitti Chitras is a complex task due to the delicate nature of the artwork and the lack of specialized expertise.
• Competing art forms: Modern art forms and commercialization have diverted attention away from traditional art forms like Bhitti Chitras.

Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to revive and preserve this art form. Conservation projects, art schools, and awareness campaigns are helping to bring Bhitti Chitras back into the limelight.

Conservation Techniques

A range of techniques is employed to conserve Bhitti Chitras:

• Cleaning: Gentle cleaning methods are used to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants without damaging the artwork.
• Consolidation: Weakened plaster is stabilized to prevent further deterioration.
• Retouching: In some cases, careful retouching is carried out to fill in small losses.
• Protective coatings: Applying protective coatings can help safeguard the artwork from environmental factors.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the artwork's condition is essential to detect any signs of deterioration and take timely action.

Organizations Involved

Several organizations are actively involved in the conservation of Bhitti Chitras:

• Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH): INTACH has been at the forefront of conservation efforts, undertaking various projects to document, conserve, and restore Bhitti Chitras.
• State Archaeology Departments: The state archaeology departments of Himachal Pradesh and other states are involved in the protection and preservation of these murals.
• Academic institutions: Universities and art colleges often collaborate with conservation experts to study and conserve Bhitti Chitras.
• Individual experts: Several individuals with expertise in conservation are working independently to save these artistic treasures.

Challenges and Opportunities

Preserving Bhitti Chitras is a formidable challenge. Limited resources, a shortage of skilled conservators, and insufficient public awareness hinder conservation efforts. Yet, this invaluable cultural heritage offers immense potential for revitalization through collaborative partnerships between government bodies, non-profit organizations, and local communities. Once vibrant and awe-inspiring, these mural paintings have suffered from centuries of neglect, their brilliance dimmed by time, weather, and human impact. Their decline underscores our collective duty to safeguard our cultural legacy. By investing in conservation, documentation, and revitalization, we can ensure that these fading treasures continue to inspire and captivate future generations.