Thiruvananthapuram: The two books being brought out by the Kerala State Literacy Mission on women leaders of renaissance and constitutional literacy in the background of the ongoing debate around the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala are notable for the illustrations of artist E.V. Anil.
The illustrations in the book on renaissance include those on ‘Marumarackal Samaram’, Vaikunda-swami, struggles against slave trade and obscurantist rituals such as 'pulikudi', 'thirandukalyanam' and 'kettukalyanam'. V.T. Bhattathiripad's play Adkalayil Ninnum Arangathekku, Lalitham-bika Antharjanam's novel Agniskashi and Ghosha Bhaskaranam also have been included in the sketches, Mr Anil told Deccan Chronicle.
Mr Anil had earlier done pencil sketches on Ayyankali and brought out a book based on the illustrations of social reformer Poykayil Appachan. The struggles led by Ayyankali for ensuring education for the children of the dalit community and his famous call for striking work by daily wagers have also been brought out in the form of illustrations. Social reforms initiated by Poykayil Appachan and the historic Vaikom Sathyagraha also have been included in the book on renaissance, which was scripted by Literacy Mission chairperson Dr P.S. Sreekala.
The booklet on Constitution has also illustrations which highlight its spirit.
"As a person who has been part of the movements which were borne out of the spirit of renaissance, it was easy for me to relate to the illustration," said Mr Anil.
He said the illustrations, completed in one day, had mostly women characters.
