Dalit Graphic Novels: A Critical Resonance in Social and Literary Injustice

Abstract

Marginalized groups in India have historically endured multidimensional structural oppression and cultural erasure, which choked agency, access and dignity based on ascribed caste, gender and other identities. Mainstream literature perpetuated singular elite narratives ignoring ‘unheard’ subaltern experiences. However, the emergent graphic novel form opens vital counter-hegemonic space through its democratic appeal, evocative visual storytelling and mass resonance. This article examines how graphic narratives lift up Dalit feminist standpoints to surface injustice while redefining discourse on identity, power and social change.

These encompass Bhimayana, depicting frontline Dalit activist B. R. Ambedkar’s inspiring biography; Priya’s Mirror, fictionalizing an oppressed woman’s consciousness-raising; and Gardener in the Wasteland, exploring the catalyst for change Jyotiba Phule’s conviction. This study interlinks Dalit literary and feminist standpoint theories underscoring subaltern epistemic insights gained through navigating systemic violence.

Comics bust singular narratives by connecting shared struggles against exploitation based on ascribed differences. Thereby graphic novels’ accessibility and impact rescue radical legacies often erased from mainstream discourse towards raising mass consciousness on dignity deficits that persist despite legal equality promises in the world’s largest democracy.

Keywords

Dalit literature subaltern narratives graphic novels identity politics resistance movements social justice marginalization

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