Postcolonial Ecofiction and
Climate-Induced Displacement: Reading Kamala Markandaya and
Amitav Ghosh
T. Deepika & Dr. Babi Duli
ABSTRACT
The paper talks about the concept of ecological
changes in the postcolonial perspectives, focusing on the works of
Kamala Markandeya and Amitav Ghosh. Ecological issues are more of a
social concern rather than a theoretical concept. This article
explores how ecological concerns and climate-induced disruptions are
portrayed in literary works, focusing particularly on the theme of
displacement—both of people and the world. Through the writings of
Kamala Markandaya and Amitav Ghosh, it delves into how storytelling
becomes a means of bearing witness to environmental crises and human
vulnerability, while also offering insight into our shared
ecological future.
This study focuses on The Coffer Dams, The Hungry Tide, and Gun
Island, using an ecocritical lens to explore how environmental
degradation is deeply entwined with histories of exploitation and
unequal power structures. These works bring to light the
often-overlooked voices of marginalised communities—fisherfolk,
rural farmers, tribal groups, and women—whose lives are directly
impacted by ecological disruption and environmental conflict.
Through their stories, the novels reveal how climate change is not
just a scientific crisis but a lived reality for those on the
frontlines. The analysis has been structured in different
dimensions, considering the basic ecocritical theory, which extends
to theories like Anthropocene, slow violence, eco-justice, and even
displacement. The socio-ecological concerns, narrative structure,
and thematic factors are also considered for the analysis.
The common intersections of the three novels are aspects like the
relationship of environment with human beings in the age of
environmental degradation, displacement due to ecological changes,
and storytelling as a resistance. The mainstream and marginalised
voices are also a part of the analysis.
Key words: Ecological disruption – Eco-justice - Power structure –
Climate issues.
