Summary: An aristocrat and a soldier are riding an elephant called ‘Congress’ which is out of control. The aristocrat with the words ‘ Velvet Glove Govt’ on his clothing is struggling to control the beast while the soldier is climbing out of the box on the elephant’s back and is saying to the aristocrat ‘ Move over, Marmaduke, this brute needs bringing to its senses’. A tiger with Japanese features is hiding in the grass nearby.
Historical context: August 9, 1942 – Gandhi and other Indian leaders were arrested following pro-independence riots. | Cartoon Caption – Move over, Marmaduke, this brute needs bringing to its senses | Embedded text – Army, Velvet Glove Govt, Congress | Artist: Illingworth, Leslie Gilbert, 1902-1979 | Published: Daily Mail, 12 August 1942 | (Cartoon source, courtesy, cartoon summary and historical context – From the The National Library of Wales; which archives the Illingworth cartoon collection.).
Illingworth was representative of the British Imperial Establishment’s view of things. For instance, 6 months after this cartoon,
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Churchill had indeed decided to be tough with the ‘natives’ – and their proxy, the Congress party and its leaders.
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The Bengal Famine was in force – and an estimated 50 lakh (5 million) people died.
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By chance stumbled into your blog 2nd look and am hooked. Great work. Also following you on twitter.