Published Paper Details:

Anita Desai, a prominent figure in contemporary Indian literature, has often explored the intricate relationship between women and nature in her works. One of her notable novels, "Fire on the Mountain," delves deep into ecofeminist themes, portraying the interconnectedness of women's experiences and the natural world. Through the lens of ecofeminism, Desai sheds light on the exploitation of both women and nature, offering a poignant commentary on the patriarchal structures that perpetuate environmental degradation. Ecofeminism, as a theoretical framework, examines the parallel oppression of women and nature under patriarchal systems. It recognizes the historical and cultural subjugation of both women and the environment, emphasizing their shared vulnerability and interconnectedness. In "Fire on the Mountain," Desai intricately weaves together the stories of Nanda Kaul, an elderly widow, and the majestic Himalayan landscape, illustrating the symbiotic relationship between women and nature. Central to ecofeminist discourse is the recognition of the exploitation of nature as inherently linked to the subjugation of women. Desai skilfully explores this intersectionality, portraying how patriarchal systems perpetuate environmental degradation through the exploitation of both women and natural resources. The novel's title, "Fire on the Mountain," serves as a metaphor for the destructive forces unleashed by human greed and exploitation, which threaten to consume both the land and its inhabitants. Through the character of Nanda's grandson, Raka, who represents the younger generation's disconnection from nature and its consequences, Desai highlights the urgency of reevaluating our relationship with the environment. Raka's indifference towards the land mirrors society's disregard for the interconnectedness of all living beings, symbolizing the destructive consequences of human arrogance and exploitation.