Earth, heart, art : ‘re-tracing’ religion and identity in Indian graphic novels

This text considers some examples of the new literature from India authored by women, where gender, nature, and religion are all engaged in a criticism against the sacralised foundation of a society, that justifies and allows the exploitation of its subalterns. Drawing on examples from the universe of visual story-telling, this text discusses a selection of recent graphic novels where epic narration has found fresh space and is being brought to the attention of new audiences. While looking at India’s ancient history and mythological heritage through graphic novel genre, not only the younger generations, but also so-called ‘young adult’, and women especially, have found an unconventional space in which to claim a voice to speak on the country’s traditions, to share ideas, and approach contemporary issues debated in the public.