Chanakya Guiding Indian Army Against Pengong Tso.. - Army Chief Explains New Painting That Replaced Iconic Depiction Of 1971

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday, January 13, 2025, explained the reason behind replacing the iconic painting of Pakistan's surrender in the 1971 war at the Army Chief's lounge in Raisina Hills.

The old artwork will be replaced by a new piece called "Karam Kshetra".

The painting of the 1971 war was removed and is now installed at the Manekshaw convention center.

Why Replace The Painting?

The shifting of the historic painting had ruffled the feathers of many Army veterans and became a subject of criticism.

"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," Gen. Dwivedi told PTI.

What Is The New Painting?

The new painting is a creation of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment. The painting titled "Karam Kshetra", means "Field of Deeds".

The painting features the snow-capped mountains around the Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh, Krishna's chariot, and Chanakya which represent strategic wisdom.

It depicts the Army as a guardian of "Dharma" that protects the nation's values and reflects its evolution into a technologically advanced integrated force.

Representing Current Realities

General Dwivedi suggested that the new painting was made considering the current realities as he mentioned about the re-balancing of troops given challenges coming from the northern front.

He said the painting was created by Lt Col Jacob, who belongs to the younger generation in the force.

"It is also being said that a semi-clad Brahmin is standing at the centre on the banks of Pangong Tso," he told PTI.

If Indians do not know Chanakya, they need to refer back to their civilisational approach, he said.

The Army chief said the new painting symbolises the past, the present, and the future.

"If I have to connect the past, present and future, it symbolises that," he said, PTI reported.

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