Deep Ecological and Ecofeminist Perspectives in Kamala Markandaya's Nectar in a Sieve

Abstract: The aim of this research is to offer an in-depth examination of the significant ecological and ecofeminist viewpoints articulated in Kamala Markandaya’s novel Nectar in a Sieve. This analysis examines the novel’s depiction of the complex connection that exists between humanity and the natural world in rural India, highlighting the ways in which environmental degradation stemming from industrialisation and capitalism impacts both the environment and gender dynamics, specifically the experiences of women such as Rukmani. The research elucidates how the characters exemplify a blend of fictional elements and authentic rural South Asian realities. It also demonstrates the importance of integrating narrative imagination with factual social and environmental concerns to offer readers a deeper understanding of ecological and feminist crises. It exemplifies the embodied relationship women share with the land as a symbol of broader struggles against patriarchal dominance and environmental exploitation. Furthermore, it offers perspectives applicable to the analysis of deep ecology, encompassing both its theoretical underpinnings, which acknowledge the intrinsic worth of all life forms, and its practical applications, which advocate for fundamental transformations towards sustainability. This study emphasises the role of literary fiction as a catalyst for ecological consciousness, feminist ideology, and social justice by contextualising Markandaya’s narrative alongside recent environmental events in India and underscores the ongoing relevance of the novel in contemporary society. Keywords: Deep Ecology, Ecofeminism, Environmental Degradation, Industrialization, Gender and Nature