India's Immortal Comic Books by Karline McLain

From this perspective, McLain eruditely points out that Anant Pai’s goal has always been to “frame” Indian political, cultural and religious history from a stubbornly chauvinistic and Hindu nationalist perspective thus, pushing his own agenda of “muscular Hinduism” (adapting the popular Christian movement).

In political science terminology, this process is called “framing” – how an event is framed greatly affects how it is perceived. McLain is no Howard Zinn, but like the famed author of A People’s History of the United States (1980), she does aim to create a public awareness of how history is told, albeit in India. Was it just about educating children or were there other motivations? Titled India’s Immortal Comic Books: Gods, Kings and Other Heroes¸ McLain shines a light on Anant Pai and his staff at ACK to really examine the motivations behind creating the comics. Which is why reading Bucknell University professor Karline McLain’s new book is so disturbing. as being legitimate and factual sources of information. ACK’s comic books – mostly covering Indian historical figures and Hindu mythology – are widely accepted by families and the Indian establishment - educational institutions, politicians, etc.

Founded by Anant Pai in 1967, the publishing house has tacit approval across the board. I spent my teenage years in India and I can honestly tell you that Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) isn’t viewed negatively the way most comics purveyors are. And of the Indian comics, no company is as recognized as Amar Chitra Katha. But, Indians have a special place in their hearts – and wallets – for indigenous comics written in English and several regional languages. Foreign titles like Tin Tin, Asterix and Archieare ubiquitous and are found in just about every nook and cranny. Within the broad category of books, however, comics have a special place in India. For as little as ten rupees (25 cents), anyone can take advantage of these repositories of popular culture’s manifestoes and go home happy – with a novel, foreign magazine or even textbook. In a country where finding a good, American-style public library is about as easy as locating the Shankara stones in Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom, the hunger for literature is fed by thousands of dusty “lending libraries” across the subcontinent. If cricket is like religion in India, then books have a pretty prominent place in the pantheon, as well.

India's Immortal Comic Books by Karline McLain