A unique perspective on Bharat’s cultural and historical journey comes alive with the release of Tides of Time: Bharat's History Through Murals in Parliament, authored by Sudha Murty. The book was unveiled in New Delhi by the Hon. Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, in the presence of Om Birla, Harivansh, and other Members of Parliament.

At the launch, Sudha Murty expressed her vision for the book, saying, “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 honours the people of Bharat across centuries, as well as the soldiers safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

Tides of Time draws from one of humanity’s oldest storytelling traditions, murals. From the prehistoric cave paintings of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters to the intricate artworks of Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, India’s visual narratives have long preserved its civilisational memory.

This artistic continuum finds a modern expression in the murals of Sansad Bhavan, where 58 panels line the circular corridors of the Parliament building. Commissioned in 1954 by G. V. Mavalankar, these murals depict a sweeping timeline of Bharat’s history, from the Indus Valley Civilisation at Mohenjo-daro to the moment of Independence marked by the flag hoisting at the Red Fort in 1947.

The architectural inspiration of the Parliament building itself echoes the Chausath Yogini Temple, a thousand-year-old circular structure, reinforcing the sense of continuity between past and present.

The idea for the book emerged during a visit to the Samvidhan Sadan, where Sudha Murty noticed students briefly observing the murals without fully understanding their depth. Recognising the need for accessible storytelling, she set out to document the historical context behind each panel, transforming the experience into a narrative journey.

More than a historical account, the book stands as a tribute to the artists and curators who brought these stories to life. It reflects the enduring values of Bharatiya Sanskriti, shaped by tolerance, patience, and compassion, while inviting readers to engage more deeply with the nation’s heritage.