National 11 (Spotlight Weekly)

Luminous Legacy

Lain Singh Bangdel leaves indelible imprints on art, literature and history

By SANJAYA DHAKAL

There are some people whose death marks an end to a chapter of history. Lain Singh Bangdel was one. News of his death in the early hours of October 15, 2002 spelled the departure of an illustrious personality that will forever shine on Nepalese art.

The entire country mourned his death, which came as the people were preparing to observe the biggest day of Nepal's cultural calendar. Not only luminaries of the arts and literature, even ordinary persons held him in high regard. His death is a big blow to the Nepalese art sector.

Bangdel : Gifted personality

Born in 1924 in Darjeeling, Bangdel became one of the most respected Nepalese artists and litterateurs. In fact, he was equally dexterous in art, literature and history. However, until the very end, Bangdel remained an artist. His talent in the other two fields was an extension.

Though he was nearly 80 years old, Bangdel never actually retired. If he was not painting, then he was writing. If he was not writing, then he was doing research on Nepal's arts and crafts. In between, he found time to attend exhibitions by younger artists to whom he remained a constant source of inspiration. "We have to make Nepalese artists internationally recognized," Bangdel used to say.

A patriarch of Nepalese art and literature, Bangdel completed his graduation in his beloved subject from Government College of Arts and Crafts in Kolkata in 1946. Later he went to Paris where he further studied art. During his days in Kolkata and Paris, he rubbed shoulders with Satyajit Ray, the legendary film-maker, and Picasso, the extraordinary artist.

When Bangdel came to Nepal in 1961, King Mahendra appointed him a member of the Royal Nepal Academy. His coming to Nepal started his life-long romance with Nepalese arts, culture and crafts. He went to become vice-chancellor and chancellor of the academy.

He produced a number of paintings that are regarded as some of the best in the country. They decorate art museums and collections around the country.

A man of few words, Bangdel delved into extensive research on sculptures of gods and goddesses. He believed that these ancient sculptures were the best guide to Nepalese culture and history. He wrote books on ancient Nepalese paintings and sculptures. These books are a treasure for those wants to know about the country's proud legacy.

Bangdel's book "Stolen Images of Nepal" was internationally acclaimed. It led to the return of many sculptures that were stolen from temples in the country and smuggled abroad. In fact, Bangdel was considered a living archive on Nepalese arts and crafts.

Bangdel was also a noted litterateur. He published dozens of books. Works like "Muluk Bahira" and "Langadako Sathi" have made a big impact on Nepalese literature.

Perhaps Bangdel's biggest contribution was his tireless effort to familiarize the world with the richness of Nepalese arts and crafts. In fact, after the publication of "Stolen Images of Nepal", there is now a lot more concern on the need to preserve Nepalese sculptures.

Colleagues, senior artists and litterateurs have described Bangdel's death as an irreparable damage to the country. They are united in saying that Nepal will continue to experience his loss for many, many years to come. His legacy lives on in the radiance of Nepalese art, literature and history.