Bharat Mata

In this painting, the image of Bharat Mata, or 'Mother India', has been cleverly subverted into this wry satire on Indias current social and political status. India, as a tree, is nobly defended by its female protectress, while storm clouds and high winds gather. A group of rats, representing India's various political factions inexorably gnaw away at its trunk, creating hollowness within. The ring of weapons and barbed wire around the composition symbolises the Indian army, ready to defend the nation from perceived threats.