The History of Anglo-Indians - A Graphic Novel is 3D all the way. da Gama, diaspora, and decolonisation propel this narrative about Anglo-Indians, exhaled in breathless and colourful detail by writer Keith Butler of New Zealand and illustrated by the celebrated Harry MacLure from Chennai (every picture is a postcard). It's all there, 500 years plus of prejudice and pride standing side by side; Colonialism, Racial Science, and Independence for India. And from India; for those of the community who left and formed a virtual space called the Anglo-Indian diaspora. Yes, even though this is a serious history based on primary and secondary sources, Frank Anthony does appear as Superman, Cuckoo Auntie peers into a crystal ball and an Anglo-Indian James Bond, orders a burra peg. Shaken not stirred, of course. Nor is it mainly about males. The voices of women register from 1498 and culminate in the new Millenium chapter with The Periodic Table of Anglo-Indian Womanhood. Nevertheless, for all the joyfulness, there is grief; Jallianwala Bagh, McCluskiegunj, Partition, quitting India. There's also Butler's angst that young Anglo-Indians catch their history and are still waiting to be taught it. Hence the primary motivation for this community project by Anglo-Indians, about Anglo-Indians, and for Anglo-Indians and others. So, flick your jharan-tea towel, and grab the book!
