The Indian Army has replaced a painting of the historic 1971 Bangladesh war surrender with a new artwork in the Army Chief's lounge, leading to mixed reactions from military veterans.
The new painting, titled Karam Kshetra – Field of Deeds, shifts the focus to the Army as a "guardian of Dharma," highlighting its role in upholding justice and national values while showcasing its modern military strength.
A New Symbol for the Indian Army
The new painting, created by Lt Col Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment, combines themes of mythology, philosophy, and modern military power. It features a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh, with Krishna’s chariot and Garuda on the left.
The painting also depicts modern military assets like tanks, infantry vehicles, Light Combat Helicopters, and Apache attack helicopters.
It includes symbolic elements like Krishna's chariot and Chanakya, representing Indian strategic wisdom. This artwork reflects the Army’s evolution into a technologically advanced force, linking its modern role to ancient values of righteousness and justice.
The change is part of a broader effort to study ancient Indian texts and incorporate their strategic insights into military operations. The Army aims to create an “indigenous strategic vocabulary” to complement its modern capabilities.
Criticism from Veterans
Many veterans have criticised the decision to replace the 1971 surrender painting. The original painting showed the signing of the Instrument of Surrender by Pakistani Lt Gen AAK Niazi in Dhaka, which marked the end of the war and the creation of Bangladesh.
It was seen as a symbol of India’s military victory and its global standing.
Critics argue that the original painting represented a key moment in India’s military history, symbolizing unity and strategic strength.
The removal of this artwork from a prominent space where foreign dignitaries and military leaders are hosted has raised concerns about the Army’s priorities in balancing its heritage with its modern identity.
Balancing Legacy and Modernity
While the new painting highlights the Army’s preparedness and connection to India’s cultural roots, some worry that it could overshadow the importance of the 1971 surrender.
This event was not just a military success, but a moment of national pride that demonstrated India’s influence on regional geopolitics.
The Army has not disclosed the current location of the original painting, leaving its future uncertain. As the Army integrates cultural and philosophical elements into its strategies, this change highlights the need to balance the past with the future.
This development sparks an ongoing debate about how India’s military identity can reconcile its historical achievements with its aspirations for a modern, indigenous approach to defense and strategy.
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