Pakistan says ‘Akhand Bharat’ mural reflects a revisionist and expansionist mindset
The inclusion of areas associated with present-day Nepal and Pakistan in a mural depicting ancient India prompted objections and political protests across the region.
Pakistan objected to the idea of “Akhand Bharat” being promoted by members of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Commenting on the installation of an Akhand Bharat mural in the new parliament building in New Delhi, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country was “appalled” by statements linking the mural with a unified greater India.
Pakistan described the assertion of “Akhand Bharat” as a revisionist and expansionist idea affecting the identities and cultures of neighbouring countries.
The mural depicts ancient India and includes areas that now form parts of Pakistan and other regional countries, including Nepal. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry urged Indian politicians not to use rhetoric against neighbouring countries to further a domestic political agenda.
The ministry further said that India should resolve disputes with its neighbours and work with them toward a peaceful and prosperous South Asia rather than pursue hegemonic or expansionist ambitions.
The mural also prompted reactions from political groups in Nepal. Students affiliated with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party staged protests, while the party’s youth wing submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister drawing attention to the inclusion of Lumbini and Kapilvastu. The Rastriya Swatantra Party also called on the government to raise the matter through diplomatic channels.
At the time of the original report, neither the government nor parties in the governing coalition had issued an official statement on the matter.
