When patriotism met mythology

Updated On: 24 July, 2018 12:00 AM IST | | Snigdha Hasan | Snigdha Hasan

An exhibition showcases innovative artworks created at the cusp of India-s Independence, where painted backgrounds and cut-outs from prints clashed to present ideas of nation-building

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This collage is symbolic of the ideological rift between Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi, which culminated in the Tripuri meeting of the All India Congress Committee. Pattabhi Sitaramayya (first from left) was Gandhis candidate for the pres

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.

Mahatma Gandhi
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