Question

Assertion (A): The painting of 'Bharat Mata' by Abanindranath Tagore was initially called 'Banga Mata'.

Reason (R): The painting was initially meant to personify Bengal, and was a way to oppose the Bengal Partition.

• A. A is incorrect and R is correct
• B. A is correct and R is incorrect
• C. Both A and R are incorrect
• D. Both A and R are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both A and R are correct

Abanindranath Tagore, the nephew of Rabindranath Tagore, painted the image of 'Banga Mata', a personification of the region of Bengal, in the year 1905. The painting was used in rallies opposing the Bengal Partition. It depicted Banga Mata as an ascetic, holding a sheaf of paddy, cloth, a book, and a rosary - all symbols of Bengali nationalism at the time. The image grew extremely popular, and Tagore himself changed its name to 'Bharat Mata'.