As India-s freedom struggle began to reach a crescendo in the 1940s, patriotic fervour could not just be seen on the streets but also in art — with a dash of ingenuity. To stir nationalistic sentiments in the common man and present a comment on the political goings-on of the time, collages were created with backgrounds painted by women artists of Nathdwara juxtaposed against cut-outs from prints in national circulation.

Created after Gandhi-s assassination, the collage above deifies the Father of the Nation as it depicts him ascending to heaven. As Gandhi blesses India, which he has become synonymous with, he is blessed by Rama and Sita. Untitled mid-20th century, chromolithograph, 19 x 13.50 in