question_answer

       Look at figures A and B. Do you think these images will appeal to all castes and communities? Explain your views briefly.                                                         Fig. A. Bharat Mata, Abanindranath Fig. B. Bharat Mata.  Tagore, 1905. Fig. A Notice that the mother figure here is shown as dispensing learning, food and clothing. The mala in one hand emphasizes her ascetic quality. Abanindranath Tagore, like Ravi Varma before him, tried to develop a style of painting that could be seen as truly Indian. Fig. B This figure of Bharat Mata is a contrast to the one painted by Abanindranath Tagore. Here she is shown with a trishul, standing beside a lion and an elephant - both symbols of power and authority. 

Answer:

                  Since in both pictures Bharat Mata is depicted as a Hindu Goddess, it will not have an appeal for all castes and communities. Non-Hindus will definitely not be in any way attracted to these images. Since, India is a secular country with diversity in religions, a secular symbol would be better.