Berhampur, Dec. 7: Arteyapurappu Krushna Murty, a resident of Paralakhemundi, has the distinction of being the photographer of the royal dynasty of Paralakhemundi from 1948 to 1974, till the death of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati.

In fact, this 78-year-old is recognised as the only photographer of the royal dynasty of Paralakhemundi.

Popularly known as ‘Murty Garu’, he had opened the first photo studio in Paralakhemundi with electricity facilities having reflectors and bulbs to adjust lights for indoor photos on September 12, 1961.

“I shot the first photograph of the royal dynasty in December 1948. After becoming the first premier of the separate Orissa province Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati summoned me to the Gajapati palace here to take a snap along with other dignitaries, including erstwhile governor Asaf Ali, first prince Ramchandra Gajapati Narayan Dev, collector Radha Govind Behera, second prince Shyam Sunder Gajapati Narayan Dev, SP captain Nilamani Mahanty, diwan saheb N.N. Patnaik and others,” said Murty.

Murty learnt photography from his uncle Chiranjivi Rao, who apart from being a photographer was also an ‘Asthan Bidwan’ and a drummer in the durbar of maharaja of Paralakhemundi since 1928.

“When second prince Shyam Sunder Gajapati Narayan Dev shot dead a tiger in 1946, I took the photograph of the heroic moment at the age of 14. Maharaja was so impressed that he ordered for my free scholarship during my study from Class IV to matriculation in MRB High School at Paralakhemundi,” Murty said.

Murty’s favourite camera is Pentax K1000.Murty said photography has become very easy these days. “With digital cameras having auto adjustments flooding the market, a simple boy can click a photo with ease,” he said.

Commenting on the experience of his involvement with the royal families, Murty said it was unbelievable and quiet difficult.

“I had to keep my shoes outside the palace whenever I met the Maharaja. I had to fold my shirt if it was a full-sleeved shirt. The collar of the shirt had to be kept inside. I had to bow down from the waist with folded hands to say “Maharaja, namaskar” every time. Then we were all asked to keep a distance of about 10ft and not show our back to the Maharaja,” he said.

At present, there are about 10 photo studios here. But everybody in the profession respects ‘Murty Garu’. His students such as Mamata Mishra, N. Bhaskar Rao and Allada Raju are now well established in various places in Andhra Pradesh.

“I have trained them to be a good photographer with a good heart and artistic vision,” said Murty.

“The state government must take immediate initiatives to preserve many valuable photographs of the founder of modern Orissa late Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati with permission from the heirs of the royal dynasty and cooperation from Arteyapurappu Krushna Murty,” said Dibakar Patnaik of Palace Street, Paralakhemundi.