New Delhi, April 01, 2026 : The Lok Sabha Secretariat publication Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament, authored by noted writer, philanthropist and Member of Parliament, Sudha Murty, was released today by the Hon. Vice President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, C. P. Radhakrishnan, in the presence of Hon. Speaker, Lok Sabha, Om Birla, Hon. Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, and other Members of Parliament. Speaking at the occasion, Sudha Murty said, “It is my hope that through this book, future generations will also get to enjoy the richness of this culture that I have known.”
In her dedication, she writes, “I dedicate this book to the people of Bharat – from Mohenjo-daro to the present day, and to all the soldiers who have protected and continue to protect our borders, so that Bharat remains a safe, sovereign and democratic nation.”
Murals are among humanity’s oldest forms of communication. Long before written language was fully developed, people used paintings to express their emotions and document their daily lives. This tradition of visual storytelling is evident across civilisations, and Bharat is no exception.
From the prehistoric caves of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, where paintings over 30,000 years old depict geometric patterns, humans and animals, to the murals of the Ajanta and Ellora caves rendered in natural colours with exquisite artistry, Bharat’s walls have long preserved its stories.
In later periods, Indian kings and emperors commissioned paintings to decorate courts and palaces, incorporating increasingly complex colours, patterns and styles. It is within this continuum that the 58 mural panels of the Sansad Bhavan must be understood. Commissioned in 1954 by the then Speaker, G. V. Mavalankar, these panels are displayed along the circular walls of the building.
The circular design of the Sansad Bhavan evokes the Chausath Yogini Temple, a 1,000 year old circular structure in Mitawali near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. As one walks along the corridors of the building, the murals unfold as a journey through Bharat’s history, beginning with the Indus Valley Civilisation at Mohenjo-daro and culminating in the flag hoisting at the Red Fort during Independence in 1947.
The idea for this book emerged from a personal experience. During a visit to the Samvidhan Sadan, Sudha Murty observed students pausing briefly at the murals before moving on. When she asked what they had understood, many expressed interest in learning more but noted the absence of accessible material. Standing before the first mural of Mohenjo-daro, the idea for this book took shape.
Tides of Time presents the historical context behind each of the 58 murals. It is also a tribute to the artists and curators who have depicted Bharat’s history through these works, and reflects the values of Bharatiya Sanskriti, shaped by tolerance, patience and compassion.
