Kolkata: The Indian Museum, Kolkata, on Sunday commemorated the birth centenary of artist and visual chronicler Rathin Mitra (1926-2019) by inaugurating a retrospective exhibition and released a commemorative volume that pays tribute to his contribution in documenting India’s architectural and cultural heritage.Titled “Rathin Mitra: The Man and the Artist,” the exhibition showcases a rare collection of the artist’s original drawings, paintings, sketches, photographs and personal memorabilia, many of which are being displayed together for the first time. Curated in association with his daughter, Rina Mitra, the exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into the life and creative journey of one of Rathin Mitra.Established more than 212 years ago, the Indian Museum said the exhibition reflects its enduring commitment to preserving and promoting India’s artistic and civilisational heritage.
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Indian Museum director Sayan Bhattacharya said, “The centenary celebration also resonates with the national vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,’ which seeks to balance development with heritage conservation, underscoring the importance of preserving India’s cultural legacy. In honouring Mitra, we also renew our commitment to safeguard the nation’s cultural inheritance for the future generations.”Mitra travelled extensively across the country for several decades, recording temples, monasteries, forts, historic cities, Himalayan shrines and sites associated with saints, philosophers and national leaders. His attention to detail and technical precision transformed his drawings into more than artistic representations — they became authentic historical records of India’s built heritage.Many of the monuments and heritage structures documented by Rathin have since undergone extensive restoration, urbanisation or physical transformation, making his works invaluable archival references. The artist shared a long and close association with the Indian Museum. The institution’s rich collections and scholarly environment influenced his artistic development, while his lifelong mission to document India’s cultural landscape closely complemented the museum’s own mandate of preserving the nation’s heritage for future generations.The centenary exhibition has already attracted artists, historians, architects, students and heritage enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to revisit India’s architectural past through the eyes of a master artist.
