Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – The hills of Himachal Pradesh are in mourning for Birinder Malhans, widely known as Billy Malhans, a multifaceted artist, historian, and conservationist who dedicated his life to preserving and celebrating the cultural and architectural legacy of Shimla and the wider Himalayan region.
Information was available with The Chenab Times detailing his profound connection to Himachal Pradesh, despite being born in Amritsar to Punjabi parents. Malhans, who passed away recently, was considered a true Himachali, deeply entwined with the spirit and landscape of the state. His early life included education at The Lawrence School in Sanawar, and his father, Major General Joginder Singh, held a significant position as Chief of Staff of the Western Command in Shimla.
Malhans was characterized by his individualistic and creative spirit, exploring various career paths including tea gardening in Assam, farming in Uttar Pradesh, and cultivating land near the Nepal border, as well as managing an apple orchard in Himachal. However, it was his passion for artistry and his meticulous research into the temples and traditions of Himachal that brought him his greatest fulfillment.
Initially a watercolourist, Malhans later refined his innate talent for detail, specializing in intricate ink drawings of iconic architecture. His artistic scope extended beyond Himachal, capturing landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and Mandu Fort in Madhya Pradesh. Despite his considerable artistic skill, Malhans was known for his humility, preferring to gift his works to appreciative family members rather than seeking public display.
He accepted commissions from state governments to immortalize tourist attractions, often presenting them from unique perspectives that highlighted overlooked details or less visible angles. A notable example is his coloured map of Shimla, commissioned in 1997 by the Ministry of Tourism, Himachal Pradesh. This map, which detailed major tourist attractions and the residences of eminent Shimla personalities, became a familiar sight on the walls of many bureaucratic offices.
Malhans harbored a particular fascination with the Taj Mahal, possibly influenced by his appreciation for classical music, such as Ustad Vilayat Khan’s ‘A Night at the Taj.’ This appreciation led him to offer his cottage in Chhota Shimla in the mid-1960s to Ustad Vilayat Khan, who was considering making Shimla his home. The maestro eventually resided in Parimahal, the former palace of the Jubbal royal family, for several years. An unpublished work by Malhans, featuring etchings of the Taj Mahal, stands as a testament to his dedication and research into this monument.
His extensive travels throughout the interior of Himachal Pradesh were driven by a quest to document temple architecture and local customs. This immersive research resulted in a significant body of work, much of which remains unpublished, save for a few articles. For decades, Malhans served as the state convener for INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), where he was a highly respected figure actively leading numerous restoration and conservation projects. His expertise and commitment were recognized through his membership on the Himachal Pradesh government’s heritage preservation and tourism committees.
Dr. Purnima Chauhan, former Secretary, Culture, recalled Malhans’ insights into Chhatru, a location en route from Rohtang Pass to Chandratal Lake, which he identified as a starting point on the ancient Silk Route. Together, they envisioned presenting this historical significance to tourists, with Malhans scripting a concept note to secure approval and funding for such initiatives.
His elder daughter, Panita Virmani, has expressed plans to publish his extensive research in the near future. The family also intends to establish a dedicated space in his Chhota Shimla home to make his research accessible to students, fulfilling one of his key aspirations.
On a personal level, Billy Malhans was known for his directness and lack of pretense. He possessed an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, establishing an immediate rapport. Old residents of Shimla often remember him walking the considerable distance from his cottage to the Mall, a routine he maintained for many years. His social gatherings, particularly the legendary open house parties he and his wife Sanjiv hosted in the 1970s and ’80s, were a notable part of Shimla’s social calendar.
Malhans’ passing has created a void, leaving behind the legacy of a man who truly embodied the spirit of Shimla and its hills. He lived a life that respected ecological constraints, opting for a simple existence without a car, yet profoundly enriching the place he called home. As Dr. Purnima Chauhan aptly put it, he drew inspiration from the very space he inhabited.
The Chenab Times News Desk