On January 17, Pakistan observes the 49th death anniversary of the esteemed painter Abdul Rahman Chughtai. Born in Lahore on September 21, 1897, Chughtai received his formal education from the Mayo School of Art, now known as the National College of Arts, Lahore, and furthered his art studies in London.
Recognized as the ‘Musawwir-e-Mashriq’ (Painter of the East), Chughtai holds a revered place in both Pakistan and India. Bestowed with the title of Khan Bahadur by the British Empire in India in 1934, he is hailed as the founder of ‘Chughtai Art’ in the field of painting and is considered one of the finest artists in the sub-continent.
Chughtai’s influence extended beyond borders, earning admiration from notable figures such as Allama Iqbal, Pablo Picasso, and Queen Elizabeth II. He received the Pride of Performance Award in 1958 and the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 1960 for his outstanding contributions.
Known for his distinctive painting style inspired by Mughal art, miniature painting, and Islamic art, Chughtai left an indelible mark on the art world. Not only did he design one of Pakistan’s first postage stamps, but he also created the monograms for Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television, enduring symbols of his artistic legacy.
In addition to his prowess in painting, Chughtai displayed his literary talents with published collections like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Kajal.’ His works are showcased globally, including prominent locations such as the British Museum, the United Nations’ Headquarters, the Nizam of Hyderabad Palace, the President House in Islamabad, and the National Art Gallery.
Abdul Rahman Chughtai passed away on January 17, 1975, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to be celebrated and appreciated.
