Excerpt: Unknown Heroes of India’s Freedom Struggle

On India’s Independence Day, a new anthology from Tulika Graphix reminds us of many unsung freedom fighters. This extract is from Demati Dei Salihan's story

To mark India’s 76th year of Independence, the Chennai-based publishing house Tulika has brought out Unknown Heroes of India’s Freedom Struggle, a collection of graphic narratives. Adapted from journalist P Sainath’s work on the subject, it honours forgotten freedom fighters, some of whose contributions were never acknowledged. Though all the individuals whose stories have been rendered in this volume came from different parts of the country and belonged to different ethnic, linguistic and religious communities, they were united in the cause of achieving Independence. The work of 16 illustrators, these graphic narratives are the perfect gift to the Indian nation as it turns 76.

Tulika Graphix (Courtesy the publisher)

The book is available for pre-orders on www.tulikabooks.com and will be in bookstores by August 25.

Here’s an extract from the story of Demati Dei Salihan:

Bargarh’s fearless lathi wielder (Antara Raman; Tulika Graphix)

The march of the Sabar women (Antara Raman; Tulika Graphix)

Demati uses her lathi (Antara Raman; Tulika Graphix)

The day Demati entered the hearts of her people (Antara Raman; Tulika Graphix)