International
oi-Deepika S
The Bangladesh government has sought an explanation from India on the Akhand Bharat mural that has been installed in the new Parliament building.
Reportedly, the Bangladesh Embassy in Delhi has been instructed to contact the country’s Ministry of External Affairs to get India’s official explanation on this matter.
“There is no reason to express doubts about it. However, for further clarification, we have asked the mission in Delhi to speak to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to find out what their official explanation is,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.
“What we learnt is that India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said that this is a map of the Ashoka Empire, 300 years before the birth of Christ. It includes a map of the area at that time and a mural. The mural depicts the journey of people. There may be cultural similarities, but it has nothing to do with politics,” he added.
The mural in the new Parliament building, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, marks important kingdoms and cities of the past and shows the influence of ancient India in the then Taxila, which is in present-day Pakistan. Likewise, areas of Bangladesh and Nepal have also been placed on the map of Akhand Bharat.
Murals In New Parliament Building Draws Ire Of Nepal’s Opposition
‘Resolve is clear’
“The resolve is clear – Akhand Bharat,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had tweeted immediately after the inauguration.
Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had last Friday clarified that the mural depicted the spread of the Mauryan period in Indian history.
“The mural in question depicts the spread of the Ashokan empire and the idea of a responsible and people-oriented government he adopted and propagated. That’s what the plaque in front of the mural says,” he said.
India’s reaction came after former Prime Minister of Nepal Baburam Bhattarai criticised the map which depicted Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha as part of the ancient Indian landmass.
Story first published: Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 13:16 [IST]
