AFTER PROPOSAL FOR KNIGHTHOOD REJECTED BY INDIAN COMMITTEE,
THE VICEROY OF INDIA LORD FREEMAN-THOMAS WILLINGDON APPROVED,
TITLE KHAN BAHADUR FOR MUHAMMED ABDUR RAHMAN CHUGHTAI ARTIST.
In undivided India the story of national recognition for M.A. Rahman Chughtai artist started much before 1934. People saw the titled file in the Civil Secretariat Lahore. A proposal for knighthood had been given, and it was rejected by the Hindu Member of nominating committee. with the remark that the title should not go to an artist who lives inside the walled city of Lahore, and is in poor circumstances. The man with great reputation of bigotry was none other than Sir Shadi Lal, the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court. He was a member of the committee to approve these things.Three previous awards had gone to nominated Hindus for knighthood, like the Tagores, and the Administration desperately needed a Muslim artist to balance their decision. Much debate took place, but the idea could not be rejected. The journalist Beverley Nichols mention of Chughtai as the greatest artist of India is recalled by all. British artists had already endorsed an award for the artist. A compromise was made with the highest national award substitute for knighthood. The result was that the Viceroy of India approved the award of Khan Bahadur, and it was only the FOURTH TITLE given to any artist in India.
The ceremony at the Governor’s House Lahore was conducted by Sir Sikander Hyat Khan, then Governor of Punjab. He had also gone through the same process of Khan Bahadur and then knighthood. From then on the artist was considered an elite of Lahore and was invited to all major functions in the city. For example when the Viceroy of India came to Lahore, Lord Emerson invited M.A. Rahman Chughtai to the reception in Lahore. The artist was introduced to the Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow. The VIP status of the artist was ensured for In all times. Ahead was recognition in India at all levels. Even today the status of M.A. Rahman Chughtai is felt in Indian Art circles. The story of Pakistan is for another narration later on.
Documentation necessary for future record.
The importance of the great artist M A Chughtai in the world of art is an acknowledged fact. He definitely deserved the knighthood irrespective of where he lived. His greatness will live on forever.
Knew this but saw detailed views first time.
Obviously Shadi Lal was living in a 31 Kanal mansion on Lyton road, and could not see other people struggling on merit. A former Principal of Islamia College knew many details. A lot of secret lobby generated roaming around Lahore are spreading worship of acute bigotry.
Thank you for documenting this important event. Who knew the story of knighthood and khan bahadur
Always thought past events must be recorded. Nowadays hullabaloo created by bribed money paid robots with no regard for truth. Roaming around Lahore acting as experts of the past germinating falsehood to confuse present generations totally malafide.
Truth sets us free.
Loved it proven bigotry.
Phenomenal struggle of artist against racial economic bigotry.
Thanks as always for more information on artist.
Coming soon Pakistan and. M A Rahman Chughtai