Tej Bahadur Chitrakar: A Pioneer of Modern Nepali Art Early Life and Background Tej Bahadur Chitrakar (1898–1971) was a Nepalese artist who played a pivotal role in the development of contemporary art in Nepal during the early 20th century. Born in Lalitpur, Nepal, as the second son to Shivadas and Ashamati, he came from a lineage deeply rooted in artistic tradition. His family belonged to the Chitrakar caste of the Newar community, traditionally entrusted with the creation of religious paintings since the 14th century AD under the Malla rulers. Education and Training Tej Bahadur’s exceptio…