What's Happening?
A massive fire at the Amar Chitra Katha warehouse in Bhiwandi, Mumbai, destroyed approximately 600,000 books and original hand-drawn illustrations. The fire, reportedly caused by a short circuit, took
firefighters four days to control. The loss includes rare artworks from the 1960s and 1970s, impacting the legacy of the iconic comic series known for retelling Indian mythology and history. Despite digital preservation of some materials, the loss of original artworks is significant.
Why It's Important?
The destruction of Amar Chitra Katha's original artworks represents a cultural loss for India, as these comics have played a crucial role in educating generations about Indian heritage. The fire underscores the vulnerability of physical archives and the importance of digital preservation. The emotional impact on comic book lovers and the cultural community is profound, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in preserving cultural artifacts.
