EXPLORING CLIMATE FICTION IN THE CONTEMPORARY INDIAN ENGLISH NOVELS

This research paper explores the emergence and significance of climate fiction (cli-fi) in contemporary Indian English novels, examining how these narratives address environmental crises within the Indian socio-cultural context. By analysing key works from the 21st century, the study highlights how Indian authors employ cli-fi to depict the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and resource scarcity, while weaving in themes of identity, displacement, and resilience. Through a blend of narrative analysis and ecocritical theory, this study underscores the role of Indian climate -fiction in fostering environmental consciousness and imagining alternative futures in a rapidly changing world. This research paper focuses on six contemporary Indian English novels: Everything the Light Touches by Janice Pariat, Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup, The Butterfly Effect by Rajat Chaudhuri, Valli by Sheela Tomy, All Quiet in Vikaspuri by Sarnath Banerjee, and Black River by Nilanjana Roy. The study aims to analyze how these novels reflect the consequences of environmental crises, employ narrative strategies to intertwine ecological and postcolonial themes, and contribute to environmental awareness in India and beyond.