Antagonistic Relationship between Human and nature; A ecocritical reading of Bhattachaya's so many Hunger

Abstract

This thesis explores the theme of biocentrism and the ethical treatment of nature in Bhabani Bhattacharya's So Many Hungers! The research aims to analyze the 1943 dangerous famine in Bengal that killed millions of people and made millions of people homeless. Biocentrism, which asserts the inherent value and rights of all living beings, is a theoretical framework for this study. The research employs textual analysis drawing upon eco-critical theories such as biocentrism. It examines the novel's elements, structure, language, and theme within its historical, cultural, social, and eco-critical context. The secondary sources from environmental literature provide additional support, and biographical elements are integrated to eliminate ecological concepts. The significant characters Rahoul Basu and Kajoli represent the famine-victimized people who were replaced, died, and were buried alive in the absence of food. These characters very clearly depict the apocalyptic effect of natural disasters due to the cause of human destruction. This thesis very clearly challenges the anthropocentric concept that humans are at the center of the universe. More often, it prioritizes nature and natural phenomena as the essential subjects to be saved and protected in this world. Hence, this thesis mainly incorporates how famine and drought destroyed human life and the region's waterfalls, rivers, and dense Sundarban area. Hence, the research mainly focuses on the causes and the fatal consequences of men's acts towards nature.