As the ferocity of the lions in the freshly-minted National Emblem creates a controversy, we ask artists for their take…

Mona

The National Emblem atop the central foyer of the new Parliament building has garnered much attention. The Ashok Stambh, a replica of the original, much larger in scale, is made of bronze and is 6.5metres tall and weighs 9,500 kg.

The photographs of it are making rounds on social media for its ‘different’ look. Artist Sunil Deore one of the two artists who have been in-charge of this project, has defended the replica, and levelled the allegations of ‘roaring’ lion stance on the photograph angle, as it is being clicked from below.

It’s time to roar

Eminent sculptors weigh in their opinion on the new creation. “Emblems affect the psyche significantly,” points out painter, sculptor Sidharth, who evaluates the emblem on three grounds – material, aesthetic and content. “The original Ashok Stambha, made in chinar stone, fulfilled that time’s purpose. King Ashok with his message of peace – the lions just looking in four directions, doing nothing. Artiste ne sher ko bhi shantipriya bana diya. Chinar stone brought out the aesthetic and content very well at Sarnath for those times!”

The serene lions in the National Emblem, however, do not go with current times, he points out. “India has stayed ‘shaant’ for the longest of time. India has such knowledge – Sankhya Yog being just one. About time we claim our heritage and ‘roar’ for we are the ones leading the world out of chaos created by unsustainable practices. So thematically, the roaring lion fits perfectly.”

However, he isn’t impressed by the material used and the aesthetics of it. “Power and calmness are shown with the metaphor of lions facing four directions. And the new one has the four directions of roar and power but aesthetically it is a bad depiction. The choice of material and workmanship of the artist should be criticised. Surely a bad work done! Roar and presence should not become abusive!” he says.

Wait & watch

Vishal Bhatnagar, artist and sculptor at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh, wishes for better photographic material before making a judgement. “Replica means exact copy. At the Museum, this is what I do, create replicas. And I say from experience, it’s the toughest job. The angles, depth…it’s quite a task!” he says. He also feels that a photograph from a particular angle does not justify the magnitude of a sculpture. “The viral photograph sure shows it to be different in the first look, but it’s still difficult to say on the basis of a few pictures.”

Vishal is, however, happy at the size and choice of materials. “The massive scale is justified on accord of the building and its height. Bronze works well for material as it’s going to weather all seasons.”

In the right direction

Contemporary sculptor Hirday Kaushal sees the whole project a right step in the right direction. “India is known for its sculptures, but it is sad that it has become a dying art. Making the Emblem at such a massive scale brings the focus right on the subject. Now that we are talking about it reflects how significant it is.”

Praising its scale, medium and placement, he avers, “Putting the National Emblem at the top of the building gives due reverence to our national symbol. Bronze is 101 per cent the right choice for it lasts for centuries. We still have Dancing Girl from the Harappan Civilization. So, bronze it had to be.” However, he insists that a replica has to exact. “While we are yet to see the Emblem, the picture doing the rounds shows a slight variation from original Sarnath Stambh, that may be the angle or some technical variation, that possibly can be rectified,” says Hirday, who hopes that this becomes another tourist attraction.

P Rajivanayan, professor at Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow, avers, “In a replica, the scale change is very technical. And for sure, it cannot change the expressions.”

He finds an issue with the manner that the sculptures are being commissioned. “In the name of financial transparency, the government floats tenders. But sculptures should be made by artists with strong credentials. At least it should be supervised by someone who knows the art and has sound academic knowledge and experience!”

India has stayed ‘shaant’ for the longest of time. About time we claim our heritage and ‘roar’ for we are the ones leading the world out of chaos created by unsustainable practices. —Sidharth

The massive scale of the Emblem is justified on accord of the building and its height. Bronze works well for material as it’s going to weather all seasons. —Vishal Bhatnagar

While we are yet to see the Emblem, the picture doing the rounds shows a slight variation from original Sarnath Stambh, that may be the angle or some technical variation. —Hirday Kaushal

Sculptures should be made by artists with strong credentials. At least it should be supervised by someone who knows the art and has sound academic knowledge and experience! —P. Rajivanayan