Army chief explains reason behind removal of iconic 1971 picture featuring Pakistan's surrender

The painting had been a prominent feature in the Army Chief’s office in Raisina Hills.

Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday defended the decision to replace the iconic picture depicting Pakistan's surrender in the 1971 war with a new artwork titled "Karam Kshetra", PTI reported.

The picture had been a prominent feature in the Army Chief’s office in Raisina Hills.

It was shifted in December to the Manekshaw Convention Centre, a move that sparked criticism among some Army veterans.

Defending the decision, General Dwivedi said that the change was part of a broader effort to reflect India’s historical and military evolution.

"If you see the golden history of India -- it has three chapters. It has the British era, the Mughal era and the era before that. If we wish to connect that and the Army's vision, symbolism becomes important," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

The new artwork, titled "Karam Kshetra," meaning "Field of Deeds," was created by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras Regiment. The piece portrays the Indian Army as a protector of "Dharma" and reflects its evolution into a technologically advanced, integrated force.

According to the Army, the painting also features elements such as snow-capped mountains around Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh, the image of Krishna’s chariot, and Chanakya, symbolizing strategic wisdom.

General Dwivedi said that the artwork was created in response to the current geopolitical realities, particularly the re-balancing of troops due to challenges posed by the northern front.

He also addressed some of the criticism regarding the portrayal of a semi-clad Brahmin at the center of the painting. "It is also being said that there is a semi-clad Brahmin standing at the centre on the banks of Pangong Tso. If Indians do not know Chanakya, they need to refer back to their civilisational approach."

The Army Chief added that the new painting symbolizes the past, present and future of the Indian Army. "If I have to connect the past, present and future, it symbolises that," he stated.

The Army chief has two lounges and the surrender painting is at the lounge at Manekshaw Centre, Gen. Dwivedi said.

(With inputs from PTI)