A Gardener in the Wasteland: A review

jyotiba phule
It is needless to say that this work must be in your bookshelves and that you should buy more than one personal copy and gift to others. Having said this, the book stops short of being the single most important signpost in the sub-genre of Indian graphic novel because Srividya Natarajan’s wordplay and her choice of scenario to distill Phule’s thought is not able to match the minimalist starkness of Aparajita Ninan’s luminous drawings.

Our noble government seems to have adopted the policy of trimming their sails to the prevailing wind. You see, because of the prohibition of untouchability, all doors of employment have been closed for atishudras.  So naturally they resort to theft as a strategy for survival…

What does the book attempt to do? It aims to bring us the basic polemics of Phule’s ‘Gulamgiri’ in visual form. Our usual take on ‘Gulamgiri’ is that it rips open the mask of Brahmanical tyranny, both in terms of manufacturing of history and using that to justify a number of cold blooded, well-planned and structured injustices meted out to Dalits (shudras and atishudras). But it is much more than that. It is almost a theatre dialogue between Jyotiba and Dhondiba, that is richly layered with sub-texts popping up, fading out, popping up, moving forward, backwards, entering a sentence, bending a sentence and at times even assaulting a sentence. In the playful quality of that conversation, Phule does not lose sight of the Brahmanical imperialism and British colonial instincts and that is what makes this text rare.

For example, in the original book, there is a portion in which Phule says: “Our noble government seems to have adopted the policy of trimming their sails to the prevailing wind. You see, because of the prohibition of untouchability, all doors of employment have been closed for atishudras.  So naturally they resort to theft as a strategy for survival…”

Sir, if there is any group of Indian people that has been shabbily treated, it is my people. They have been disgracefully treated, neglected for 6000 years.

Years later on the floor of the parliament as this nation was being declared a sovereign and democratic republic, Jaypal Singh Munda thundered: “As a jungle, as an adibasi, I am not expected to understand the legal intricacies of the resolution. But my common sense tells me that every one of us should march in that road to freedom and fight together. Sir, if there is any group of Indian people that has been shabbily treated, it is my people. They have been disgracefully treated, neglected for 6000 years. The history of the Indus Valley Civilisation, a child of which I am, shows quite clearly that it is the newcomers-most of you here are intruders as far as I am concerned-it is the newcomers who have driven away my people from the Indus Valley to jungle fastness…”

Even later, JP was grappling with his definition of Sarvodaya where the goal should be satvik samjvad (socialism by the path of truth) as opposed to tamasik samajvad (dark-violent socialism) and rajasik samjvad (state sponsored socialism). And much like Phule and Jaypal Singh Munda, JP also became irrelevant in our national aims and promises (of course, this trio is much feted but never followed).

The book, of course, has its moments, whether it is menstruating Brahma, or a reference to dalit children rescued in Tamil Nadu, or the dismantling of the myths of ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, one by one.

The tone of this graphic rendition is too simplistic (the opposite is not over-complexity but at least accessibly nuanced) and could have captured the politicality of the banter and not just its conversationality.  The book, of course, has its moments, whether it is menstruating Brahma, or a reference to dalit children rescued in Tamil Nadu, or the dismantling of the myths of ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, one by one. There is a constant bridge between the past and the present (though references like Navayana’s own fellowship for publishing is highly avoidable) and that is important because the analysis couched in banter that Phule expounds concerning a host of subjects, especially the state of education, is relevant even now.

With black paint and dry pastels as her means of execution, bold lines, a new typeface called joti and some very astute use of recurrent motifs, Aparajita Ninan is a new talent whose work we shall await in future.  Her drawing retains the starkness of the situation yet accentuates an understated flourish here and there to give us an idea of the extent of Brahmanical machismo and the politics of caste devised and executed by the self-appointed arbiters of divinity.

By becoming subjects of graphic works, print installations, visual treatments or even printed flicker books, the visual vocabulary associated with these incidents will enter our mindspace rather than the academic theorisation that tends to define a much skewed notion of ground reality.

We are in interesting and exciting times, whether it is Kazuki Ebine’s ‘Gandhi: A Manga Biography’ or Navayana’s  ‘Bhimayana’, or Vishwajyoti Ghosh’s ‘Delhi Calm’, the  dialectic, the mechanics and the ideologues behind what is being political in India, is finding it’s way into the graphic novel segment. This is a vastly neglected area and it would be wonderful to see subjects like Gandhi in Noakhali, Mahad satyagrapha, the Dalit panther movement of Maharashtra, J. C. Kumrappa, Periyar, Thakkar Bapa, Narayana Guru, D.D Kosambi, Annabhau Sathe, Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address, Tagore’s letter returning the knighthood after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Phule’s other classic, Sarva Janik Dharma Pustak (published in 1891) and so many other flashpoints of history. By becoming subjects of graphic works, print installations, visual treatments or even printed flicker books, the visual vocabulary associated with these incidents will enter our mindspace rather than the academic theorisation that tends to define a much skewed notion of ground reality.

Navayana has produced and curated a very interesting mix of books and with this publication, one hopes that it continues to expand its graphic series repertoire. For a nation of images, sub-images, image-fragments, many of these need articulation, yet remain rooted to its vocabulary. That difficult tightrope work has begun for Navayana, and I am sure they would be at it.

11 Comments

  • Reply December 21, 2025

    Cashback bei Buran Casino

    Der beschert einerseits Cashback Bonus und andererseits einen wöchentlichen Einzahlungsbonus.
    Wer länger bei Verde Casino mit dabei ist, profitiert vom Treuebonus.
    Als nächstes Goodie winkt der Willkommensbonus. Dieser entspricht entweder
    25 Euro Spielguthaben oder 50 Freispiele für
    einen Slot. Denn ohne Account kein Guthaben und keine Freispiele.
    Wir haben für euch alle Infos, welche Zahlungsanbieter wie funktionieren.
    Wenn Sie damit gewinnen, müssen diese Gewinne nicht erst
    umgesetzt werden, sondern lassen sich direkt auszahlen. Ob Sie einen Bonus Code benötigen (egal ob für Freispiele oder
    Bonusguthaben), hängt im Übrigen von der jeweiligen Plattform ab.
    Diesen erhalten Sie entweder für Ihre Registrierung oder im Laufe der Zeit als bereits aktiver Spieler.
    Dazu gehören nicht nur ein neuer Casino Bonus,
    der Spieler anlockt, sondern auch ein großartiges Design und
    natürlich jede Menge Echtgeld Casino Spiele. Ein guter
    Online Casino Willkommensbonus ohne Einzahlung rundet das Angebot dann ab und motiviert zur Registrierung.

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/lapalingo-casino-freispiele-alles-was-sie-wissen-mussen/

  • Kartenspiele, Roulette und mehr Hoher RTP, Freispiele Cluster-Gewinne,
    Freispiele
    Casinoonline.de ist Teil der #1 Online Casino Authority®,
    dem weltweit größten Casino-Affiliate-Netzwerk.
    Im Chat bekamen wir die Auskunft, dass die meisten und die wichtigsten Spiele
    auch online vorhanden sind, jedoch gibt es keine Angaben darüber, welche Spiele nach Download zur Verfügung stehen. Das Casino kann entweder online direkt im Browser benutzt
    werden oder auch per Download, allerdings nur für Windows,
    nicht für iOS. Das Live Casino ist zwar vorhanden und wird von Evolution Gaming betrieben, bietet jedoch weniger
    als 10 Live Tische an. Die nur 200+ Casino Spiele werden alle vom Software-Hersteller Microgaming zur Verfügung
    gestellt und somit finden Sie keine große Auswahl.

    Hier im Captain Cooks Casino ist das Unternehmen stolz darauf, den Spielern einen schnellen, zuverlässigen und vertrauenswürdigen Service zu
    bieten. Darüber hinaus können sie von Casino Rewards profitieren, einem der erfolgreichsten Treueprogramme für Online-Glücksspiele.
    Spieler im Captain Cooks Casino können von fantastischen Angeboten profitieren, die regelmäßig aktualisiert werden, um sicherzustellen,
    dass sie die besten möglichen Promotionen erhalten.

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/den-plinko-casino-promo-code-finden-ihr-weg-zu-extra-spielspas-und-lukrativen-boni/

  • Make sure to check your local regulatory requirements before you choose to play at any casino listed on our site.
    Second, you should click on our casino link and read our expert reviews (especially
    the Safety & Security part and the experiences part).

    First, you should browse our database and see if there are good-looking bonuses you want to try.
    If it wasn’t, why would there be so many people enjoying these games?
    The Australians are the world’s top loser of money per adult
    per year due to the prevalence of gambling and slot machines.
    The safety and security of Australian casinos that
    operate under this license are more based on the company itself, not
    so much on the license.
    Yes, online casinos are legal for players within Australia.
    A top Australian casino online in 2025 offers a wide
    range of games at the click of a mouse, and it takes just minutes to
    sign up for a real money casino Australia account.
    At Casino.com.au, we take a comprehensive approach to
    reviewing and rating online casinos for Aussie players.
    We have been reviewing online casinos and gambling sites for over 15 years so we know how to spot the good ones, but
    also how to spot the bad ones. Quickly compare Australia’s top online casinos,
    find winning strategy guides and reviews from Australian players.
    Any of the real money online casino sites on our list are worth checking out, so dig in and find the one that best fits your
    style.
    Some Australia casinos online will return a slice of your losses, often daily or weekly, to take the sting out a bit.
    Reload bonuses are smaller follow-up offers you can claim when adding more funds.
    These signup bonuses multiply your first deposit by adding bonus
    funds. International casinos make it easy to move your money around.
    “Realz brings together pokies, live dealers, jackpots, and bonus-buy slots in one clean, modern lobby.

  • For those who enjoy real money gaming, the platform’s pokies include transparent payout tables,
    fair RNG results, and the thrill of instant wins. Demos let
    you learn the game mechanics and features before playing with
    real money. Rocketplay offers dedicated apps for iOS and
    Android with full access to games, banking, promotions, and support.

    The platform also delivers a smooth mobile experience, fully optimized for both iOS and Android devices, allowing players to enjoy premium gaming anywhere.
    Rocketplay Casino stands out as a top choice for players who want a
    safe, feature-packed, and trustworthy online gaming experience.

    The interface also runs smooth on mobile, so you can jump into a live round during your
    lunch break or while watching the footy. Multiple
    languages are supported at the tables, so if you prefer
    something other than English, chances are you’ll
    find it. Hundreds of versions, fast play modes, and even crypto-friendly options
    if that’s your style. You can take a seat at blackjack, roulette, baccarat, or even go all-in on game shows like Crazy Time or Monopoly Live.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/reasons-that-make-online-casinos-all-the-more-interesting/

  • Reply December 27, 2025

    demo slots

    Online casinos that prioritize their players offer first-class customer service.
    These include a great gaming experience, attractive bonus offers, fair games, fast
    payouts, and more. The majority of casino visitors prefer online slots over other games.

    It’s been more than a decade since Golden Nugget Casino launched in New
    Jersey and became one of the first casinos to embrace online gambling.
    Hard Rock Bet Casino runs like a polished, modern online casino built for players who want variety, speed, and
    strong rewards. The casino features a solid selection of games,
    including popular slots, table games, live dealer experiences, and exclusive bet365 Casino originals.

    The current casino site is one of the best but it’s the mobile app that shines here and offers a wide
    range of slot games and casino table favorites. It’s perfect
    for players in New Jersey looking for a quality casino gaming experience.
    We also love to see the sports-themed games which change depending
    on where you’re playing from – whether you’re
    a Jets fan, a Steelers die-hard, or a Red Wings fanatic, there’s something for everyone!

    In the last few years bitcoin and crypto currencies have become increasingly popular with online gamblers.
    If you’re curious about the specific gambling rules in your state or territory,
    you should look into local regulations. While there are national laws for gambling, each area in Australia has its own rules.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/10-deposit-casinos-australia-2025-the-ultimate-guide/

  • Reply December 27, 2025

    The Star Sydney facilities

    Wrest Point also features blackjack tournaments that follow a three elimination rounds then a final table round format,
    over one full day. Don’t miss a second of the action, grab your mates,
    grab a beer, and cheer your team to victory!
    Take a comfortable seat and order from an excellent range of quality wines, cocktails,
    craft beer and top-shelf spirits – or tune into great sporting
    action on the big screens. This casino complex is well worth visiting if you are in the Launceston area.

    Yes, the sports bar has betting facilities, although we recommend
    the top betting sites for all your racing and sports wagering
    needs.
    Timetables and bus service information are available from Metro Tasmania.

    I think the hotel needs a lot of updating to make the look more
    appealing but recently the casino has been going through some small refurbishments so hopefully they will look at
    the hotel soon. When living in Launceston I was very thankful that
    there was a casino even though the city is quite small, and being a poker
    player after online poker was shut down in Australia,
    I loved being able to play poker here. Following
    sister property Wrest Point in Hobart, Launceston’s casino became Tasmania’s second to open, and Australia’s third.

    There’s a variety of accommodation choices, including hotel rooms, accommodation for business
    travellers and luxury suites in the resort complex.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/everything-you-need-to-know-about-poker/

  • Reply December 29, 2025

    ahsazglobal.in

    online casino mit paypal

    References:
    ahsazglobal.in

  • Reply December 29, 2025

    hirenhigher.co.nz

    online poker real money paypal

    References:
    hirenhigher.co.nz

  • online casino paypal einzahlung

    References:
    http://www.canadiannewcomerjobs.ca

  • Reply December 29, 2025

    www.refermee.com

    online betting with paypal winnersbet

    References:
    http://www.refermee.com

  • Reply January 28, 2026

    online rummy

    Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff
    previous to and you’re just too wonderful.
    I actually like what yyou have acquired here, really like what you are saying and
    the way in which youu say it. You make it enjoyable annd you still care
    for to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you.
    This is really a terrific website.

Leave a Reply