The Crossbill News Desk
A controversial painting inspired by The Mahabharata has been removed from the lounge of the Indian Army chief's office at South Block, months after its installation triggered criticism over its political, cultural and religious symbolism.
The change was noticed in a video shared by the official X account of the Eastern Command, which showed Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth delivering greetings to teams participating in the 135th Indian Oil Durand football tournament.
In the footage, Seth is seated against a wood-panelled backdrop, with the Indian Army insignia now occupying the space where the painting had previously been displayed.
Titled ‘Karam Kshetra (Field of Deeds)’, the painting was installed in December 2024. It depicted tanks and helicopters positioned along the banks of Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh, alongside imagery of a charioted warrior, a saffron-clad sage and a bird.
The artwork was created by Lt. Col. Thomas Jacob and combined mythological figures and modern military symbols, including Lord Krishna's chariot, the ancient philosopher Chanakya, tanks and helicopters.
Its installation had drawn criticism from civilians and retired military officers, particularly because it replaced a historic painting commemorating India's victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
The earlier artwork showed the Pakistani army signing the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, and had been displayed in the Army chief's office lounge for decades.
The removal of the Mahabharata-inspired artwork has since been welcomed by some retired military officers.
Lt. General H. S. Panag 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, reposted Panag's remarks and said, “I too hope that iconic painting is restored, to its rightful place. Religion depictions must never enter a Chief’s office.”
The latest change has renewed calls among critics for the return of the 1971 surrender painting to the Army chief's office, while also reopening the debate over the use of religious and political imagery in official military spaces.
The change was noticed in a video shared by the official X account of the Eastern Command, which showed Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth delivering greetings to teams participating in the 135th Indian Oil Durand football tournament.
In the footage, Seth is seated against a wood-panelled backdrop, with the Indian Army insignia now occupying the space where the painting had previously been displayed.
Titled ‘Karam Kshetra (Field of Deeds)’, the painting was installed in December 2024. It depicted tanks and helicopters positioned along the banks of Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh, alongside imagery of a charioted warrior, a saffron-clad sage and a bird.
The artwork was created by Lt. Col. Thomas Jacob and combined mythological figures and modern military symbols, including Lord Krishna's chariot, the ancient philosopher Chanakya, tanks and helicopters.
Its installation had drawn criticism from civilians and retired military officers, particularly because it replaced a historic painting commemorating India's victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
The earlier artwork showed the Pakistani army signing the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, and had been displayed in the Army chief's office lounge for decades.
The removal of the Mahabharata-inspired artwork has since been welcomed by some retired military officers.
Lt. General H. S. Panag 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, reposted Panag's remarks and said, “I too hope that iconic painting is restored, to its rightful place. Religion depictions must never enter a Chief’s office.”
The latest change has renewed calls among critics for the return of the 1971 surrender painting to the Army chief's office, while also reopening the debate over the use of religious and political imagery in official military spaces.
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