The Sculpture

The five-figure bronze sculpture by Mahtab Hussain stands as a powerful tribute to the 2.5 million Indian soldiers who volunteered to serve in the British Indian Army during World War II, the largest volunteer force in history.

Set atop a rocky cliff, the composition features a Hindu female soldier holding the Royal Governor’s flag at the forefront, symbolizing leadership and hope. Surrounding her are representations of a Muslim, Sikh, Bangladeshi and Gurkha soldiers, embodying the diverse ethnicities and faiths of those who fought valiantly for freedom and democracy.

The sculpture celebrates the unity and sacrifice of soldiers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, offering a long-overdue acknowledgment of their pivotal role in the Allied victory. It seeks to rectify historical oversight by creating a meaningful and inclusive memorial, fostering recognition, respect, and dialogue across communities.

Mahtab Hussain discusses the sculpture and its themes as a part of the Channel 4 documentary ‘The Soldiers that Saved Britain’ - you can watch online here…

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-soldiers-that-saved-britain/on-demand/72192-001

Mahtab is also leading a campaign for his sculpture to become a permanent memorial to commemorate the Indian contribution - you can support this campaign at Change.org

“The absence of a dedicated memorial for the Indian soldiers who fought in World War II affects not only their descendants but also the wider communities in the UK, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The lack of recognition contributes to a sense of historical neglect, erasing the pivotal role these soldiers played in the Allied victory. This oversight impedes efforts to create a more inclusive narrative that honours the contributions of soldiers from all ethnicities and faiths.

If no action is taken, these soldiers’ contributions will continue to be overlooked, perpetuating a gap in historical understanding. Erecting this bronze memorial will ensure their sacrifices are honoured, preserving their stories for future generations. It will stand as a powerful symbol of unity and inclusivity, recognising the diversity of those who fought for freedom. Inaction, however, risks their erasure from public memory.”