ECOCRITICISM IN LIGHT OF INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Occurrences of ecocriticism in Indian English Literature are explored in this paper. Ecocriticism began
in the 1980s in America. It gained popularity in Britain in the 1990s. It is still being explored around the
world and is yet to make its way into the mainstream. Right from the beginning, nature was inadvertently
very conspicuous in Indian writing in English. Though at that time it was not attributed as ecocriticism.
There was a prominent bond between the central characters and nature in Indian fiction novels. Concern for
our environment has been on the rise as industrialisation increased. As the conversations on being more ecofriendly
in all aspects became more frequent, it made its way to mainstream media. As art imitates life,
ecocriticism helped make these issues become part of literature.
Nature is our nurturer but can also become our annihilator. The more humanity abuses nature, the more
difficult it will become for humans to live in peace for long. Ecological issues are no longer geographyspecific.
As everything is connected to everything else, it is a global crisis and every person plays a vital role
in curbing the issues. Indian writers such as Raja Rao, R. K. Narayan, Kamla Markandya, Ruskin Bond,
Anita Desai, Kiran Desai, V. S. Naipaul and Amitav Ghosh write brilliant pieces about the relationship
between man and nature. Some authors wrote about the infinite beauty and magnificence of nature; while
some addressed the irreversible impacts of colonialization on nature to increase awareness.
Each writer has a distinct style of writing and unique equation with nature. Ruskin Bond observes the
little things in glorious nature and its changing landscape in India. Anita Desai uses elements of nature
primarily for symbolism. Amitav Ghosh is the Indian write who leans the most towards explicit ecocriticism
in his works. The Hungry Tide and The Glass Palace both navigate the interconnectedness of human lives
and nature.