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.