Bharat Mata Reimagined: Asexuality, Inclusivity and the Symbolism of Same-Sex Marriage Recognition | Disha

Introduction

Bharat Mata, a national personification of India, has been a salient political icon since the late 19th century. Abanindranath Tagore’s 1904 painting of Bharat Mata holds particular significance, as it visually encapsulates the complex interplay of nationalism, aesthetics, and identity. The term Bharat Mata itself emerged during this period, popularised by the Bengali novel Anandamath (1882), where it became inseparable from Hindu goddesses like Durga and Kali. This depiction of the motherland as a divine figure resonated deeply with anti-colonial sentiments, serving as a rallying point during India’s struggle for independence.

The historical context surrounding Bharat Mata is crucial. The Swadeshi movement, which sought economic self-reliance and cultural revival, provided fertile ground for its emergence. Against the backdrop of British colonial rule, the painting symbolised resistance and unity, transcending regional, linguistic, and religious boundaries. As we explore Bharat Mata through an asexual lens, we aim to unravel the layers of meaning beyond traditional interpretations of motherhood and sexuality. This paper seeks to illuminate how this iconic representation challenges normative conceptions and embodies asexuality, inviting us to reconsider gender, identity, and national pride.

Background and Context

The creation of this work was contemporaneous with the fervent Swadeshi movement, a significant political and cultural uprising against British colonial rule in India during the early 20th century. This movement gained traction in response to the Partition of Bengal in 1905, when Lord Curzon divided the province into predominantly Muslim eastern regions and predominantly Hindu western regions. Against this backdrop, Tagore crafted Bharat Mata with a keen awareness that it would serve as a rallying symbol for anti-colonial resistance. The painting initially depicted “Banga Mata†or Mother Bengal, drawing inspiration from everyday Bengali women and perhaps even Tagore’s own daughter. However, it swiftly transcended regional boundaries to become a broader embodiment of the emerging Indian nation—Mother India herself. The image was widely copied by other artists, featured on Swadeshi fundraising posters, and circulated in vernacular media. Its impact was profound, as it symbolised not only national identity but also resilience, unity, and the promise of a healthy future for India.

Tagore’s artistic vision, grounded in the cultural heritage of South Asia, shaped the trajectory of modern art in the region. This artistic direction reflected the growing anti-colonial sentiments and the ongoing intellectual discourse surrounding Indian aesthetics.

Iconography and Symbolism in Bharat Mata

Bharat Mata stands as one of the earliest visualisations of the concept of “Mother India.†The work portrays a saffron-clad woman, reminiscent of a sadhvi, who holds various symbolic items in her four hands. The central figure’s saffron attire immediately evokes spiritual connotations. Saffron, a colour associated with renunciation and asceticism, aligns with the traditional attire of Hindu ascetics. This choice underscores the divine nature of Bharat Mata, elevating her beyond mere mortal existence. Her four hands, a common motif in Hindu iconography, symbolise multifaceted power and omnipresence. Each hand holds distinct elements:

The Book: Representing knowledge, the book signifies the wisdom and intellectual heritage of India. It alludes to the ancient texts, scriptures, and philosophical traditions that have shaped the nation’s identity.

Sheaves of Paddy: These bundles of grain symbolise sustenance, fertility, and abundance. They connect Bharat Mata to the land, emphasising her nurturing role as the mother figure. The paddy also signifies the agrarian backbone of India’s economy.

White Cloth: The pristine white cloth draped over her shoulder signifies purity and selflessness. It suggests that Bharat Mata transcends material desires and embodies a higher purpose—the welfare of her children.

Rudraksha Garland (Mala): The rudraksha beads, often associated with Lord Shiva, represent spiritual devotion and protection. They imply that Bharat Mata safeguards her people, irrespective of their backgrounds.

Traditional interpretations of motherhood and sexuality intersect in this portrayal. While conventional depictions of mother goddesses emphasise fecundity and sensuality, Bharat Mata diverges. She remains chaste, devoid of sexual allure. Her gaze is serene, detached, and focused beyond the physical realm. In this departure from the norm, Bharat Mata becomes an asexual embodiment—a mother not defined by procreation but by her nurturing and protective qualities.

Scholars have likened Bharat Mata’s quest for liberation through her sons to the broader Indian struggle for independence. Just as she seeks freedom from earthly attachments, India sought liberation from colonial rule. The painting’s composition—earth and sun blending harmoniously—suggests unity and resilience. Bharat Mata’s unembellished beauty radiates strength, emphasising inner fortitude over external adornment.

Asexuality as an Alternative Lens

In the context of Bharat Mata, the exploration of asexuality offers a compelling interpretive lens. Asexuality, defined as the lack of sexual attraction to others or a low interest in sexual activity, challenges conventional assumptions about sexuality. While traditional interpretations of Bharat Mata often emphasise maternal and sexual connotations, a closer examination reveals that this transcendent figure embodies asexuality.

The concept of asexuality disrupts normative frameworks that equate sexual desire with human essence. Drawing from contemporary asexual studies, we can invoke theories such as the “compulsory sexuality†paradigm. This framework posits that societal expectations impose a normative sexual script, positioning sexual attraction as an essential aspect of human experience. However, Bharat Mata defies this script. Her serene expression and four hands, not engaged in sensual acts, challenge the viewer to consider alternative forms of embodiment.

By interpreting Bharat Mata through an asexual lens, we recognize her detachment from sexual desire. Her saffron-clad attire, typically associated with asceticism and spiritual purity, aligns with asexuality’s emphasis on non-sexual connections. Moreover, her nurturing and protective stance—embracing the nation—transcends physicality. Rather than representing a sexualized mother figure, Bharat Mata symbolises inclusivity and acceptance beyond gender-specific or reproductive roles.

The serene expression on her face transcends the conventional expectations associated with femininity. Unlike traditional depictions of goddesses or maternal figures, Bharat Mata does not exude sensuality or romantic allure. Instead, her gaze reflects tranquillity and detachment, emphasising a spiritual and non-physical dimension.

Drawing from theories of asexuality, we can explore this aspect further. Asexuality, as a sexual orientation, encompasses individuals who experience little or no sexual attraction. It challenges the normative link between sexuality and identity, emphasising that one’s worth and fulfilment need not be tied to sexual desire or activity. In Bharat Mata, we witness a departure from the eroticized female form—a departure that resonates with the asexual perspective.

The absence of sensual allure in Bharat Mata’s expression suggests a detachment from physical desires. Her gaze is not directed outward, seeking validation or connection, but inward—a contemplative introspection. This detachment aligns with the asexual experience, where emotional and intellectual connections take precedence over sexual ones. Bharat Mata’s tranquil countenance invites viewers to engage with her beyond the corporeal realm, emphasising the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of identity.

Scholars have drawn parallels to the concept of “virgin motherhood†found in religious iconography, where fertility and sexuality are transcended in favour of nurturing and maternal roles. Bharat Mata’s representation of inclusivity and acceptance disrupts traditional gender-based and reproductive symbolism, encouraging us to conceptualise national identity through an asexual lens that emphasises compassion, protection, and fortitude. This interpretation enriches our understanding of both the painting and broader discussions on gender, sexuality, and nationhood.

The absence of gender specificity in Bharat Mata’s embrace signifies inclusivity. She does not favour any particular gender; rather, her maternal embrace envelops all—regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or reproductive capacity. This inclusivity aligns with asexuality, which recognizes diverse forms of intimacy and connection beyond sexual attraction. Bharat Mata’s open arms symbolise acceptance, inviting all citizens into her protective fold.

By emphasising inclusivity and acceptance, Bharat Mata becomes a powerful symbol of unity. Her asexual interpretation invites us to rethink national identity beyond biological reproduction. In a diverse and complex nation like India, embracing asexuality as a valid form of connection fosters a more inclusive understanding of citizenship—one that transcends sexual boundaries and celebrates the multifaceted tapestry of human relationships.

Bharat Mata: Emblem of Inclusivity for Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy
The figure of Bharat Mata, when recontextualized, emerges as a powerful emblem of acceptance, inclusivity, and unity—qualities that are profoundly relevant in the contemporary discourse on same-sex marriage in India. At the heart of Bharat Mata is the portrayal of an inclusive mother figure who transcends conventional gender roles and societal norms. This aspect of the painting can be leveraged to advocate for the recognition of same-sex marriage by highlighting Bharat Mata’s embodiment of unconditional love and acceptance. Unlike traditional depictions of maternal figures that often emphasise fertility and sexual relationships, Bharat Mata is presented without any overt sexual connotations, thus allowing her to symbolise a form of love and care that is universal and non-discriminatory. This universality is crucial in the context of same-sex marriage, which seeks to affirm the validity and dignity of love irrespective of gender.

The serene expression on Bharat Mata’s face, coupled with her tranquil demeanour, suggests a detachment from societal judgments and prejudices. Her gaze, devoid of sensual allure, reflects purity and non-conformity, characteristics that resonate with the essence of same-sex love—a love that often transcends societal expectations and norms. By embodying these qualities, Bharat Mata can be seen as a champion of diverse forms of love, thus providing a cultural and symbolic basis for the acceptance of same-sex marriage.

Moreover, the absence of a male counterpart in the painting emphasises Bharat Mata’s independence from traditional gender roles and heteronormative structures. This aspect can be interpreted as a rejection of the notion that legitimate relationships must conform to a heterosexual framework. By existing independently and embracing all her children regardless of gender or sexual orientation, Bharat Mata becomes a powerful symbol of inclusivity and equality. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of the argument for same-sex marriage, which advocates for the equal treatment of all couples under the law.

The symbolism embedded within Bharat Mata also underscores the idea of unity in diversity, a principle that is fundamental to Indian culture. The painting’s rich iconography, which includes elements from various regions and traditions of India, mirrors the diversity of the nation itself. This celebration of diversity can be extended to include diverse forms of love and relationships, thereby reinforcing the argument for the recognition of same-sex marriage. By advocating for a more inclusive understanding of national identity—one that embraces all citizens and their unique expressions of love—Bharat Mata becomes a powerful advocate for social progress and justice.

In recontextualizing Abanindranath Tagore’s Bharat Mata as a symbol of inclusivity and acceptance, we gain a profound appreciation of its relevance to contemporary issues such as same-sex marriage. The painting invites us to reconsider our preconceived notions about gender, sexuality, and national identity, urging us to embrace a more inclusive and compassionate worldview. By invoking the symbolic power of Bharat Mata, advocates for same-sex marriage can draw on a deep cultural and artistic heritage to support their cause, fostering a society that values and respects the diversity of love in all its forms.

Conclusion

Abanindranath Tagore’s Bharat Mata serves as a profound cultural icon that transcends conventional depictions of femininity, motherhood, and national identity. By interpreting Bharat Mata through an asexual lens, we uncover a representation that prioritises spiritual purity, intellectual heritage, and inclusivity over sexual connotations. This reinterpretation challenges normative frameworks, inviting a broader understanding of identity and nationhood. Furthermore, recontextualizing Bharat Mata as an emblem of acceptance and unity provides a powerful cultural basis for advocating same-sex marriage in India. Her non-sexual, nurturing qualities symbolise a form of love and care that transcends gender and societal norms, aligning with contemporary calls for equality and inclusivity. Ultimately, Bharat Mata’s image fosters a vision of a compassionate and diverse society, celebrating the multifaceted expressions of human connection and reinforcing the principles of unity in diversity.

(Author: Disha, Ph.D. Scholar; Senior Research Fellow, Dr. K. R. Narayanan Centre for Dalit and Minorities Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India)