‘Mural in new Parliament is of Ashokan kingdom’

Subject : History

Concept :

Ministry of External Affairs clarified on the Controversy which has emerged over the mural of the Indian sub-continental landmass in the art gallery of newly inaugurated Parliament building

Concerns over Ashokan Mural

This Mural in the new Parliament building is being interpreted as a map of Akhand Bharat’.
It marks important kingdoms and cities of the past, and shows the influence of ancient India in the then Taxila, in present-day Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed its concern that this Mural suppress the ideology and culture of religious minorities of neighbouring country
There are few reports of street level protest led by opposition in Nepal over the inclusion of some parts of Nepal, for instance Lumbini (birth place of Gautam Buddha), in the Mural.
Though the issue is not raised formally by Nepal through official channels, former Prime minister of Nepal Baburam Bhattarai is of opinion that the mural may cause unnecessary diplomatic disputes. He also opined that it may widen the trust deficit between Nepal and India.

Response from Ministry of External Affairs

Arindam bagchi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, has clarified that there is no need to be concerned regarding the mural in question.
This Mural as an artwork depicts the spread of prehistoric Ashokan Empire and hence it promotes and propagates the idea of responsible and responsive government in line with the Ashokan administration.

Arts of the Mauryan Period

Sixth century B.C. marks the beginning of new religious and social movements in the Gangetic valley in the form of Buddhism and Jainism (Sramana/Shraman Tradition).
Magadha emerged as a powerful kingdom and consolidated its control over the other religions.
By the third century, a large part of India was under Maurya control.
Ashoka emerged as the most powerful king of the Maurya dynasty.
Religious practices had many dimensions during this period.
Worship of Yakshas and Mother Goddess was prevalent during that time.
Yaksha worship was very popular before and after the advent of Buddhism and it was assimilated in Buddhism and Jainism.
Construction of stupas and viharas (dwelling place of monks) became part of the Buddhist tradition.
However, in this period, apart from stupas and viharas, stone pillars, rock cut caves and monumental figure sculptures were carved in several places.