‘The History of Anglo-Indians’: Keith Butler and Harry MacLure chronicle 500 years in a graphic novel
Authors Keith Butler and Harry MacLure have released a graphic novel titled 'The History of Anglo-Indians' to document 500 years of the community's heritage. The book aims to preserve oral histories and cultural identity that have historically been excluded from formal school curricula.
Why it matters
The project highlights the importance of cultural representation and the use of non-traditional media to archive the history of marginalized or under-documented communities.
For generations, Anglo-Indians have worn their history in plain sight. It lingered in Elvis Presley-inspired pompadours, sharply pressed bell bottoms, and English spoken with unmistakable cadence. Stylish, cosmopolitan and woven into the making of modern Indian cities, the community became instantly recognisable in public life. Yet, for all its visibility, much of its story remained curiously absent from the pages of history.
‘The History of Anglo-Indians’, a graphic novel, on display at Kolkata’s Dalhousie Institute | Photo Credit: Shreya Banerjee
At Kolkata’s 167-year-old Dalhousie Institute club that has itself long served as a social and cultural home for generations of Anglo-Indians, author Keith Butler launched The History of Anglo-Indians, illustrated by Chennai-based filmmaker and illustrator Harry MacLure. Keith was in conversation with Andrew Scolt, quizmaster and senior vice president, Derek O’Brien & Associates.
Keith Butler in conversation with Andrew Scolt | Photo Credit: Shreya Banerjee
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