Have you noticed that graphic novels with protagonists based on Indian mythology are quite rare? They are, and that shouldn’t be the case. Today, we’ve made a list of reasons why India needs graphic novels and superheroes centered around Indian mythology.
Why India Needs Graphic Novels And Superheroes Centered Around Indian Mythology?
Are a great source of information
It’s a saddening fact that most Indian children and even adults know the histories of other countries but not our own. Everyone has read Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology or American Gods but who has read books that portray Indian mythology? Very few people. Graphic novels are a great way to encourage young (and old) readers to learn more about their own mythology and culture. Graphic novels featuring Indian mythological superheroes would be both informative and fun, and would make readers knowledgeable about their country.
Are more relatable
Indian kids have grown up reading books about other mythologies – predominantly Greek, Roman and Norse mythologies. While these books are engaging and interesting, they lack one crucial element – Indianness. Hence even if Indian readers love the books and their characters, they won’t be able to relate with them. On the other hand, if graphic novels portray Indian mythological superheroes, kids will be able to relate to them. These characters will look like their readers and the action will take place in familiar surroundings. The appearance, clothes, get-up, setting, actions, ornaments and even emotions will be similar to the readers and hence more accessible and relatable.
Propagate diversity
Diversity is becoming a huge discussion in the book community these days. Everyone is talking about inclusion – with regards to colour, gender, religion, race and even ethnicity. However, when talking about Asian representation, readers in the West are likely to think of Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultures more than Indian. This is a pity because Indian mythology and culture is just as rich as others, perhaps even more so. We deserve a representation in the global milieu and we deserve to have characters based on us. Creating such graphic novels will ensure exactly that.
Spread moral messages
Indian mythology often belies important moral messages. Most folktales and incidents in Indian mythology are in fact moral stories. For example, Sita’s abduction is a cautionary tale about the importance of boundaries. Similarly, the downfall of the Kauravas is a testament to the repercussions of the violation of a woman’s modesty. All mythological tales have strong moral implications, which are transformative in essence. Hence, making this well known will inadvertently spread messages of morality and ethics. And today, more than ever, that is exactly what the world needs.
Inculcate pride for Indian culture
As mentioned above, kids and even adults these days have no knowledge of Indian culture and traditions, let alone cherishing these. These graphic novels will serve to foster pride in the younger generation about India. The heroic qualities of the characters, coupled with the beautiful and colourful attire will definitely remind kids about the wonders of their nation. For older readers, the wondrous philosophy developed by their ancestors will certainly be a source of immense pride.
Make the unexplored Indian mythology well known
Unfortunately, Indian mythology is still confined to India. Unlike many other cultures, this mythology hasn’t spread to other areas of the world. In fact, its value is decreasing even in India. This is extremely sad, because Indian mythology does have a lot to contribute to the world – not just in terms of stories but also philosophies and ideas. It is more than just a way to explain the unknown, it is also a means to make ancient wisdom known to masses easily in the form of metaphors. Graphic novels with such themes would allow for the exploration of these ideas known to the world.
Introduce some very cool characters
Making graphic novels based on Indian mythology would be like a fresh breeze in a dingy room. It would be refreshing to see new characters, something that hasn’t really been explored before. These characters would be really unique – both in terms of their physical appearance and their qualities. With gold ornaments and colourful clothes, with valour and strength yet sensitivity and empathy, these characters would embody the Indian spirit.
Allow easy suspension of belief
When people recognize some element of familiarity and similarity between themselves and the protagonists of books, they are much more likely to believe events and engage in the story. For example, magical realism often feels more palatable than outright fantasy, though both have their own appeal. Graphic novels based on Indian mythological characters would serve the exact same purpose. Readers will be more drawn into the stories if they recognize that they are like the superheroes. Plus, this would make it easier to transmit the moral and philosophical messages of the story by making it more accessible.
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