Echoes of Eco-Consciousness

An Analysis of Tribal Community Relationship with Nature in Mahasweta Devi’s Chotti Munda and His Arrow and Leslie Silko’s Ceremony

Resumo

Nature serves as the primary source of sustenance for humanity. The environment has the power to evoke emotions with its beauty of landscapes, the tranquillity of natural settings, and the splendours of flora and fauna, inspiring imagination, contemplation, and a resounding sense of connection. In modern times, technological advancements have propelled societies forward, improving efficiency, connectivity, and the overall quality of life. However, this progress has come at a cost, leading to environmental degradation or natural crises. The relationship between tribal communities and nature is reciprocal and symbiotic, as nature nurtures man, delivering indispensable resources similarly tribal communities strive to protect the environment. This research paper explores the eco-consciousness of tribal communities in Mahasweta Devi’s Chotti Munda and His Arrow and Leslie Marmon Silko’s Ceremony through the lens of ecocriticism, a literary theory that examines the relationship between literature and the environment. The study highlights the originality of Indigenous worldviews in these works, where nature is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the survival and culture of tribal people. The findings illustrate how both authors vividly portray the interconnectedness of Indigenous identity and nature, showing how tribal people nurture and protect their environment in return for sustenance, underscoring their deep ecological insight. This research underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous ecological wisdom into contemporary environmental discourse and suggests that future studies could further explore how such insights can address modern environmental crises.