For generations, Amar Chitra Katha comic books have been a cherished gateway for Indian readers, especially children, to explore stories rooted in religion, mythology, and history. Launched in 1967, Amar Chitra Katha—meaning “immortal illustrated stories”—became iconic by combining engaging visuals with simple language to retell religious parables, scriptures, folk tales, and historical narratives in comic book format. Nearly six decades on, the series remains beloved, continuing to inspire young readers across India and beyond.
However, a devastating blow to this treasured legacy occurred on 1 October 2023, when a massive fire broke out at Amar Chitra Katha’s warehouse in Bhiwandi, a suburb of Mumbai. The blaze, reportedly caused by a short circuit, raged uncontrollably for four days before firefighters could bring it under control. By then, the damage was catastrophic: approximately 600,000 books were destroyed, including volumes of Amar Chitra Katha and its sister publication Tinkle, a lighter, humor-filled illustrated magazine for children. Alongside the books, special edition box sets and merchandise were also lost.
Among the irreplaceable losses were over 200 original hand-drawn illustrations dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. These original artworks, stored carefully but exclusively in the warehouse, were unique treasures never sold or duplicated in physical form. Although digital copies of many positive films—transparent sheets used in the printing process—had been preserved, the original hand-drawn pieces were destroyed forever. Damini Batham, Head of Marketing at Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle, described the artworks as “priceless,” emphasizing the emotional weight of their loss on the publication and its fans.
While the full financial cost of the fire is yet to be calculated, the cultural and emotional impact resonates deeply with comic book lovers across India. Ganesh Matkari, a writer and avid admirer of Amar Chitra Katha, highlighted the profound role the comics played in fostering a love of reading among children. “Even today, one can instantly recognize an Amar Chitra Katha image,” Matkari said. “Their simple language and engaging visuals made complex stories accessible, helping preserve Indian heritage and mythology for new generations.”
The story of Amar Chitra Katha’s founding is itself rooted in a moment of cultural reflection. Anant Pai, a junior engineer working with The Times of India and associated with their Indrajal Comics division, conceived the idea in the mid-1960s. While watching a quiz show at a Delhi television shop, Pai noticed that participants were well-versed in Greek mythology but struggled with questions about Indian epics and mythology. Troubled by this gap in cultural knowledge, he set out to create a comic series that would celebrate and educate about Indian stories, making them accessible to children and families nationwide.
The initial issues of Amar Chitra Katha included Western fairy tales like Cinderella and Snow White, but it was the 11th issue, released in 1970, that marked a turning point. This edition focused on the Hindu deity Krishna and was illustrated by Ram Waeerkar, whose fine lines, expressive faces, and dramatic compositions set a new artistic standard for the series. Waeerkar would go on to illustrate more than 90 titles, helping define the visual style and storytelling approach of Amar Chitra Katha.
Following the success of the Krishna issue, the publication expanded rapidly to include a rich tapestry of Indian mythological and historical figures such as Rama, Shakuntala, Savitri, Bheeshma, Hanuman, Chanakya, Buddha, Shivaji, and Ashoka. These stories, steeped in moral lessons and cultural heritage, became cornerstones in schools and homes, used by parents and educators alike to teach Indian traditions and values.
The influence of Amar Chitra Katha transcended mere entertainment. Renowned illustrator Alok Nirantar, who identifies as a lifelong fan, credits the comics with inspiring his own career as a cartoonist. “Everyone holds a soft corner for Amar Chitra Katha,” Nirantar shared. “Hearing about the loss of original documents is heartbreaking. Even in the digital age, the original artwork held unmatched value.”
In 1980, Amar Chitra Katha broadened its appeal by launching Tinkle, a comic magazine that became immensely popular with children for its humor and memorable characters like Suppandi and Shikari Sh