Amid controversy, iconic 1971 surrender painting finds a new home

On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, which marks the surrender of Pakistani forces to the Indian Army in 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh, the iconic 1971 surrender painting, which depicts the ceremonial surrender of Pakistani forces to the Indian Army on December 16, 1971, was installed at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

The painting was installed at the centre, named after the architect and the hero of 1971 War, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, by the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, along with Sunita Dwivedi, his spouse and president of Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA).

The painting was previously housed at the Army Chief's lounge.

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"Its placement at the #ManekshawCentre #NewDelhi will benefit a large audience due to substantial footfall of diverse audience & dignitaries from #India and abroad at this venue," the Indian Army said in a tweet.

Controversy surrounding the surrender painting

The painting, which had been part of the Army chief's office for decades, had ran into a controversy recently after it was noticed that an artwork titled Karam Kshetra—purportedly inspired by the Mahabharata—replaced it at its place in the office. The new painting showed tanks and helicopters on the banks of what appears to be Pangong Lake in Ladakh.

The replacement and removal came to light after a photo of General Upendra Dwivedi greeting Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army General Ashok Raj Sigdel was released.

The removal of the painting had attracted much criticism, with some claiming that the move was politically motivated.

According to Telegraph, a former brigadier claimed that the government was claiming to erase the memory of 1971 victory against Pakistan because it “It’s shocking that the military brass did not object to removing the picture and, instead, pandered to political whims,” the former brigadier was quoted as saying.

"This is the most iconic symbol of India’s greatest Military victory, legacy and pride ! And just like that it’s gone?!Replaced by some amateurish mishmash of lord only knows what the hell. How could we accept the erasure of our Military history?," wrote a user on X.

"Mythology appropriating real pride and achievement. Horror has only just begun," wrote another.

According to Telegraph, a senior defence ministry official defended the move saying the "painting represents the Indian Army’s timeless commitment to righteousness, as drawn from the teachings of the Mahabharata." It also "reflects how the modern Indian Army is equipped with cutting-edge systems, seamless coordination across land, air, and sea….,” the official added.