Hidden Himalayas Come Alive: Rare 170-Year-Old Himalayan Treasures Unveiled in Delhi
New Delhi, April 23: Rare artistic and scientific records of the Himalayas, hidden from public view for nearly 170 years, are now on display in the national capital as Pahar Foundation opened its landmark exhibition, “Himalayan Encounters: Hidden Views from 170 Years Ago,” at the India International Centre from April 22 to 29.
The exhibition has brought into public view a priceless visual archive of the Himalayan region—rare paintings, sketches and exploration records created during the mid-19th century by the famed Schlagintweit brothers during their Himalayan expeditions.
Displayed for the first time in India, these works reveal a vivid picture of the Himalayas before the age of modern roads and infrastructure, documenting not just geography but the spirit, landscapes and cultures of the mountain world.
Speaking on the significance of the exhibition, Chandan Dangi of Pahar Foundation said the effort was aimed at reconnecting people with the historical and ecological richness of the Himalayas.
"These hidden Himalayan views are much more than artworks—they are precious records of a fragile mountain world. By bringing them into public view, we hope to deepen public understanding of the Himalayas and inspire greater sensitivity towards its ecological and cultural future," Dangi said.
He said organizing the exhibition in India came with major logistical challenges, including customs procedures and the risk of duties reaching nearly ₹1 crore on the antique works brought from Germany.
Despite all hurdles, it was important to make these treasures accessible to the people, because the Himalayas need deeper understanding now more than ever.
The exhibition was accompanied by an intellectual session titled “Conversations on Schlagintweit Drawings,” chaired by noted cultural thinker Ashok Vajpeyi, where historians and scholars reflected on the role of early explorations in shaping the world's understanding of the Himalayas.
Historian Shekhar Pathak highlighted the contributions of Nain Singh Rawat, the legendary indigenous surveyor whose pioneering work in Tibet became a milestone in Himalayan exploration.
German geographer Hermann Kreutzmann spoke about how German scientific curiosity and exploration played a foundational role in documenting the Himalayan world.
The exhibition stands out not merely as an art display but as a public reminder that the Himalayas are far more than a mountain range—they are a living civilizational and ecological heritage.
By opening these rare archives to the public, the exhibition offers a compelling call for better understanding, greater respect and more informed stewardship of the fragile Himalayan region.
It is a must-visit exhibition for anyone caring to know about Himalaya.
