Balraj Khanna worked as a correspondent during the India-Pakistan War of December 1971, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.  Upon his return to France (where he then lived) a few weeks later, he set about capturing on canvas the horrors of war as witnessed by him, culminating in one of his most important works, Birth of a Nation (now in the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Del🐈hi), in ho♐nor of Bangladesh.

Trauma 1972 was pa𒆙inted at the same time in the same mood.  Dramatic and disturbing, the picture's imagery emanates a fearful awesomeness.  But the presence of a yellow lily by the side of the lacerated figures suggests hope.  This painting was first exhibited in New York at the Herbert Benevy Gallery in 1972.