Nots & Crosses is a graphic novel, illustrating the biography of Phoolan Devi (1963-2001), who was also known as the Queen Bandit of India, and is portrayed as the reincarnation of Ching Shih (1775-1844), the most dreaded female pirate of China. This narrative features re-contextualized and thought provoking quotes by famous personalities on the lives of these women, illuminating the issues pertaining to oppression and how the notion of being powerful and strong, somehow, came to mean “To be tough and brutal like a man.”
The title “Nots & Crosses” is based on how girls are not supposed to act a certain way and all the obstructions and barriers faced by these women, this is what the “Nots” represent and the crosses are for how they crossed over these prejudices and defined their own path despite of being restricted and told not to.
Don’t worry the stick is
to beat the snakes and
not the boys.
Phoolan! Go fetch some
water from the well but
before leaving come
here, I want to tell you
something.
Every morning the day started with Amma reminding me to embrace my
strength, confidence and fight back when needed.
If those boys or anybody slaps
you, slap them back. Remember, if
someone beats you and you don't
fight back, then I'll beat you.
Yes, amma.
Good, Stand up straight
and be proud of yourself.
Now, run along and fetch
some water.
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