Ecocritical Study of the Post-Colonial Novels of Indian English Literature with an Emphasis on Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s "The Palace of Illusions"

Abstract

Ecology, characterized as the systematic investigation of the relationships between organisms and their surrounding atmosphere, highlights the interdependence between mankind and the mother nature. Recognizing that literary works engages with various aspects of life, including the environment, it becomes crucial for literary scholars to deliberate on ecological issues, offering novel perspectives and alternative solutions. Ecocriticism, which examines the representation of nature in literature, plays a vital role in shaping a global ecological vision. This investigation endeavors to examine Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's literary works through the lens of ecocriticism. Divakaruni's works showcase a heightened sensitivity to environmental issues, adeptly utilizing nature-themed motifs and metaphors to express compassion for marginalized entities, including nature, women, and the oppressed. Her ecologically sensitive fiction transcends cultural boundaries, providing insights into the cultural dynamics of diasporic communities, where the plight of nature appears particularly poignant. The research intends to draw an interconnectedness between the human kind and their living world within the fable, delving into the idea of eco-spirituality. Through the narration of the Mahabharata from Draupadi's approach, the novel condemns individuals whose ego and unquenchable pride led to the demolition of both humanity and habitatation during Kurukshetra. The narrative serves as a critique of war and its adverse impact on the environment. Divakaruni's mythic tale reflects deep concerns for nature, challenging humanity's anthropocentric viewpoint. Her writings emerge as environmentally conscious narratives, adeptly incorporating themes and metaphors of nature to express compassion for marginalized groups, particularly nature, women, and the oppressed. This paper aims to explore the multifaceted ecological dimensions present in Indian myths through the lens of eco-sensibility evident in Divakaruni's fiction