Controversial 'Dharma'-Themed Painting Removed From Indian Army Chief’s Office Lounge
New Delhi: The Mahabharata-inspired painting, that sparked widespread controversy for its overt political, cultural and religious connotations, has now been removed from the Indian Army chief’s office lounge in South Block.
In a video message shared by the official X account of the Eastern Command, conveying regards to the teams participating in 135th Indian Oil Durand football tournament, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth can be seen sitting in the office lounge in front of a wood-panelled background with the army insignia mounted in place of the dharma-related painting.
Screengrab from the Army Chief's video message, Photo: X/@easterncomd.
The painting, which depicted tanks and helicopters on the banks of Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh and featured a charioted warrior, a saffron-clad sage and a bird, was installed in December 2024 and replaced an oil painting symbolising India's historic military achievement against Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The move had led to extensive outrage against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, from civilians and army veterans alike, who had questioned the removal of the iconic imagery, showcasing the Pakistani army signing the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, from the IA chief's office lounge, where it had hung proudly for decades.
Also read: Removing 1971 War Surrender Picture Reflects Poorly on India’s Military Leadership
The Wire had previosly reported that several critics had speculated that the change was politically motivated, propagating Hindutva ideology while simultaneously distancing the Narendra Modi-led government from the legacy of the 1971 war victory, which had been won under the leadership of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.
In response to the backlash, the then Army Chief hosted an event to relocate the 1971 war painting to the Manekshaw Centre at the Delhi Cantonment on the ground that the shift would permit a greater global and domestic audience to see it, something which would not have been possible in Army Chief's lounge. The office lounge in South Block is, ironically, where the Army Chief normally receives high-profile dignitaries and international representatives.
The highly contentious, and recently-removed, painting, titled ‘Karam Kshetra (Field of Deeds),' was painted by Lt. Col. Thomas Jacob, who blended mythological and modern symbols like Lord Krishna's chariot, ancient philosopher Chanakya, tanks and helicopters, placing them all on the banks of the Pangong lake in an attempt to laud military operations conducted under the BJP regime.
The painting's removal was applauded by retired army officer Lt. General H. S. Panag, who wrote on X, "Hail to the Chief! Indian Army emblem now forms the backdrop. Hope it is the first step towards bringing back the iconic ‘1971 Surrender’ painting!"
Another retired officer, Major General K. Khorana, also celebrated the move, reposting Panag's post and saying, "I too hope that iconic painting is restored, to its rightful place. Religion depictions must never enter a Chief’s office."
This article went live on July twenty-third, two thousand twenty six, at thirty minutes past two in the afternoon.The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
