From the World of Words to the Realm of Images: Reimagining Krishna in Indian Graphic Narratives

Abstract

Krishna, the ‘myth and legend,’ is delineated in classical Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita, and temple iconography as a luminous forerunner and eighth incarnation of Vishnu. In recent decades, Indian graphic narratives have changed the way Krishna is explored through traditional symbolism and modern narrative techniques, letting modern audiences perceive Krishna not only from a limited perspective but also as a vibrant, charismatic strategist. Previous research studies particularly emphasize spiritual enlightenment, education, and moral values, and often overlook the pathways in which graphic narratives reinterpret mythological figures. This paper explores how graphic narratives reimagine Krishna from a mythological avatar to a cultural icon, drawing on Roland Barthes's theory of semiotics, Stuart Hall's theory of cultural representation, and Linda Hutcheon’s adaptation theory through a qualitative visual semiotic approach. The study concludes that Indian graphic narratives not only retell mythological stories but also represent Krishna, making him more familiar to modern generations.