The Indian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2022, titled "Nahi!" is a poignant exploration of the pervasive issue of sexual assault in India. This installation draws deep inspiration from the epic Mahabharata, particularly the concept of the Chakravyuh. Through this lens, "Nahi!" seeks to shed light on the harrowing realities faced by survivors of sexual violence, emphasizing the psychological entrapment and societal challenges they endure.

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Central to "Nahi!" is the tragic case of the Nirbhaya gang rape, a brutal incident that shook the conscience of the nation and the world. This case is emblematic of the broader epidemic of sexual violence in India and serves as the primary case study for the pavilion. By juxtaposing this contemporary tragedy with the ancient narrative of the Chakravyuh, the pavilion creates a powerful metaphor for the struggles faced by survivors.

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The Chakravyuh, a formidable military formation described in the Mahabharata, is a labyrinthine structure that is nearly impossible to escape once entered. It symbolizes entrapment, relentless struggle, and often, a fight to the death. Similarly, survivors of sexual assault in India find themselves ensnared in a psychological and social Chakravyuh. The trauma they experience is not just physical but also mental, creating an intricate web of fear, shame, and societal stigma that is incredibly difficult to navigate and overcome.