Title: Inclusiveness in Indian Graphic Novels: Bhimayana and Kari

Zahra Ahmad

M.A. English student, Patna Women’s College (India)

Abstract

Graphic novels employing multimodal semiotic strategies and using verbal and visual mediums are micronarratives. Postmodernism and cultural studies gave rise to several genres focusing on petit narratives. Modern Indian graphic novels depict social issues of marginalization and exploitation, bringing them to the fore. It is simultaneously inclusive of varied themes in their narrative. Bhimayana, a critique of the hidden apartheid movement in India showing the struggles of Dalit icon Ambedkar, also includes as its themes: historical events and legislation, ecocentrism, zoomorphism, current happenings and subversion of Brahmanical hegemony. Similarly, Kari, a queer text showing the struggles and resistance of a lesbian, also includes themes of migration, alienation, ecology, disease, death, capitalist society and subversion of heteronormativity and patriarchy. This paper intends to analyse the themes and narrative techniques of two graphic novels – Bhimayana: Experiences of Untouchability (2011) by Natarajan et al. and Amruta Patil’s Kari (2008) to show the
inclusiveness of varied issues. The paper also illustrates the social issues that are dealt with. It also demonstrates the purpose of graphic novels to give voice to those at the periphery and to show their resistance to the status quo.

Keywords:

diversity, homosexuality, identity crisis, petit narrative, racism

How to Cite this Paper:

Ahmed, Z. (2023). Inclusiveness in Indian Graphic Novels: Bhimayana and Kari. Atras Journal, 4(1), 91-100

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