Ecological Consciousness in Contemporary Indian Literature: A Study of Environmental Narratives and Themes

Abstract

In recent decades, environmental concerns have grown more pressing in both global and regional contexts, and literature has increasingly reflected this shift. Contemporary Indian literature, in particular, offers a rich body of work that grapples with the tension between rapid development and environmental degradation. This paper explores the ways in which modern Indian writers engage with ecological themes, examining how they critique environmental destruction, depict indigenous relationships with nature, and advocate for ecological sustainability. Through a detailed analysis of select works by Amitav Ghosh, Arundhati Roy, and Vandana Shiva, this study demonstrates how these authors not only illuminate the ecological crisis but also challenge readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. By blending literary analysis with ecological theory, the paper aims to contribute to the growing field of eco-criticism within Indian literature.