Caste and comics: an interview with Samarth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Indian graphic narratives of the post-millennial era have increasingly addressed pressing social issues such as casteism, environmental degradation, and urbanisation among others. Comics about caste typically showcase the remarkable lives of anti-caste icons in the form of graphic biographies, such as Bhimayana: Incidents in the Life of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Vyam et al. 2011) and A Gardener in the Wasteland: Jotiba Phule’s Fight for Liberty (Natarajan 2011). Published in 2022, Samarth’s Suit continues a post-millennial trend by depicting safai karamcharis (transl. sanitation workers in India), who have been historically forced to engage in manual scavenging, as salaried employees in a futuristic setting with protective suits while also confronting the persisting social issue of casteism. In particular, Suit expands the conversation about caste and comics by boldly depicting the inhumane treatment and illegal practice of manual scavenging (which is rampant in Mumbai) and its entanglements with casteism. In this context, Samarth in an email interview shares his views on caste and comics in India, emphasising the need for greater representation and discussion of marginalised communities, and highlighting the importance of shedding light on issues like manual scavenging, which continue to affect Dalits and other oppressed groups in India.