Between public culture and
colonialism.
The new book "Wit and Wisdom: Pickings from the Parsee Punch" by Mushirul Hasan (Niyogi Books) released recently contains humorous illustrations from the Parsi comic weekly paper that began publication in 1854 in the Bombay presidency and continued until the 1930s.
"Cartoons are not critically analysed in India. They aren't only about parody, satire but also forum for serious intervention both in public and cultural life. Cartoons form a serious source material for information," says Hasan, Director General of the National Archives of India.
Soli Sorabjee, former Solicitor General of India who was present during the launch says, "Cartoons are a way of expression and help out in educating people
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contemporary and ancient history.
"It is essential to look at institutions and at ourself. We need to introspect all sense of proportions. Cartoons were in India during the colonial British era too but Britishers took these cartoons in a right spirit."
The Parsee Punch initially appeared as a four sheet weekly with English and Gujarati letter-press below the illustrations. A short while later a
Selection of cartoons,
cuts, sketches began to be published monthly as the 'pickings'. Modelled on the "London Punch" the publication contained 24 to 36 pages full of humorous illustrations. MORE