Decolonising Environmental Thought in Indian English Poetry

Abstract

This paper examines the enduring impact of colonialism on environmental degradation and the neglect of natural resources in India, using the works of A.K. Ramanujan, Rabindranath Tagore, Jayanta Mahapatra and Nissim Ezekiel as critical lenses. The poetry of Ramanujan serves as a poignant critique of apathy towards ecological crises, reflecting the systemic disregard for the environment perpetuated during and after colonial rule. The poem’s portrayal of a river – ignored in both its abundance and destruction – symbolises the exploitation and neglect of natural resources in the name of progress and modernity. Complementing this, Tagore’s philosophical writings and poems advocate for a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, offering an alternative worldview rooted in ecological balance and reverence for the earth. Mahapatra’s poetry, deeply embedded in the landscape of Odisha, captures the tension between tradition and environmental decline, revealing the loss of indigenous ecological knowledge in a postcolonial world. Meanwhile, Ezekiel’s urban-centric poetry critiques the alienation from nature brought about by colonial legacies and rapid industrialisation, highlighting the psychological and cultural disconnection from the environment. By juxtaposing these literary works with contemporary environmental challenges, this paper underscores the urgency of decolonising environmental thought. It advocates for a shift towards indigenous and sustainable practices, emphasising the integration of cultural heritage and literary insights into global efforts to address ecological crises and build a more just and sustainable future.