Jain Journal 1976 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 52

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DR. MOTI CHANDRA
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At last we have to bear the loss of Dr. Moti Chandra, one of the greatest exponents of Indian art. The world of scholars where his devotees are many was much aggrieved when the news of his death on December 17, 1974 was conveyed. A true professor and an art-historian in a field where the spirit of pioneering is the first concomitant Dr. Moti Chandra has given a new dimension to the study of Indian paintings and sculptures. His interpretations and observations reveal a much awaited comprehension and scholarship so needed in India after Independence. Born on 26th August, 1909 in an eminent family of Hindi writers of Varanasi he completed his study and research in early days with distinction. While he evinced a love for Mughal history his work on Ragamala Paintings completed under guidance of Dr. K. D. B. Codrington was acclaimed for Ph.D. in London in 1933. He was Curator, Art Section, Prince of Wales Museum of Western India from 1937 to 1950. He held the position of its Director since 1950.
Well-versed in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrits, Urdu and Persian Dr. Moti Chandra has left works of ever-lasting value. As Umakant P. Shah has observed :
"He had a deep insight into the techniques as well as styles of Indian Paintings and his early work on Technique of Mughal Painting, or his later masterpiece on Miniature Paintings in Western India are evidence of the depth of his scholarship in the field.” (Journal of The Oriental Institute, Baroda, March-June, 1975, p. 468).