M. A. R. Chughtai

1897

Born on September 21 in Lahore in British India as Muhammad Abdur Rahman Chughtai, in a family of artists and craftsmen; learns to draw from his father, Mia Karim Baksh, and the art of naqqashi (repousse) from his uncle, Baba Miran Shah Naqqash.

1914

Obtains a diploma in photo lithography from Mayo School of Art. After leaving school, works as a photographer and a drawing teacher for a while.

1916

His first painting appears in Modern Review, done in revivalist Bengal School style. He travels to Delhi to see the Mughal monuments of the city. Travels to Calcutta and apprentices under Abanindranath Tagore for a while. His early watercolours are in the Bengal School style featuring Hindu and Buddhist deities and mythological characters; his works such as Jahanara and Taj bear influence of Abanindranath Tagore’s well-known work, The Last Moments of Shahjahan

1920

Holds his first exhibition at Punjab Fine Art Society, Lahore.

1920s

Exhibits with the Indian School of Oriental Art.

1927-31

Tours Europe holding solo shows.

1928

Publishes his first book, Muraqqai-i-Chughtai, which is a generously illustrated edition of Mirza Ghalib’s poetry with a foreword by contemporary poet Allama Iqbal; it is considered the most significant of Chughtai’s works and one of the finest examples of book production in the country.

1934

Is awarded the title of Khan Bahadur by the British colonial government.

1935

Publishes his second book, Naqsh-i-Chughtai.

1932,'36

Travels to London to learn printmaking and etching at London School of Photo Engraving.

1940s

Develops his unique painting style, influenced by Mughal architecture, Islamic calligraphy, miniature painting and Art Nouveau; his subjects include characters from Islamic history and mythology, Mughal kings and queens, and stories from Punjabi, Persian and Indo-Islamic folk tales

1940

Publishes his third book, Chughtai’s Paintings.

1947

Following the partition of the subcontinent and the creation of Pakistan, comes to be known as the National Artist of Pakistan. Designs insignia for Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television; becomes the founder member of Pakistan Art Council. His publication, Amal-i-Chughtai, and original works by him are gifted to visiting heads of state by the Government of Pakistan.

1960

Is conferred the title of ‘Hilal-i-Imtiaz’ (Crescent of Excellence) by the President of Pakistan.

Mid 1960s

Continues to paint in his distinctive style, though his subjects are now secular.

1968

Receives Pride of Performance Award from the President of Pakistan.

1975

Passes away on 17 January in Lahore. His family sets up his dream project, the Abdur Rahman Chughtai Museum, in Lahore. Exhibits are changed annually.

2005

Son Arif Rahman Chughtai publishes a book on his father, The Challenge of M. A. Rahman Chughtai to the Bengal School of Art, (Lahore: Jahangir Book Club).