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B.A English Literature
3rd Year 6th Semester
Elective Paper
GREEN STUDIES (AG46D)
Unit 1: Indian Ecocriticism (Tinai- Kurinchi, Neidal, Mullai Marutam and Palai)
1.1. Introducing concepts of Indian ecocriticism – Tinai - significance- ecoregions
1.1. Introducing concepts of Indian Ecocriticism
Ecocriticism:
The term Ecocriticism was possibly first coined in 1978 by William Rueckert. He used this term in his essay ‘Literature and Ecology: An Experiment in Ecocriticism’. He defined it as ‘the application of ecology and ecological concepts to the study of literature’.
Ecocriticism in India:
Nirmal Selvamony at Madras Christian College introduced a course in Tamil Poetics in 1980. This was the beginning of Ecocriticism in its present and modern sense in India. S. William Meeker was the first to use and introduce the expression ‘literary ecology’ which is a term that refers to the study of biological themes and the relationship that appears in literature and ecology in literary work. He states that “ecology is an ancient theme in art and literature”.
Indian ecocriticism is a way of analyzing Indian literature, art, and culture in relation to the environment. It explores the relationship between nature, culture, and identity, and how Indian writers and artists address environmental issues. Some concepts of Indian ecocriticism include:
- The interconnectedness of nature, culture, and identity: Indian ecocriticism emphasizes the intimate relationship between humans and the natural world.
- The concept of "bhuta": The five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) that make up the universe are known as "bhuta".
- The depiction of nature as a central character: Authors may personify natural entities, giving them sentience and sagacity.
- The connection between Indian mythology and nature: Indian mythology often portrays nature as a savior, protector, or pioneer. Characters like Shakuntala, the nature's child, reflect this connection.
- The importance of environmental activism: Ecocriticism is an environmental activism that strives to protect the environment.
Tinai - significance- ecoregions
TINAI:
The concept of tinai is a significant aspect of ancient Tamil literature and poetics.
The Sangam Society was split into five distinct ecological zones according to ancient Tamil literature, each of which had its own peculiarities. Tinai is the name for each zone, each with its own unique qualities. The tinai notion can be related to the contemporary ecosystem approach used to research cultures.
* Ecological zonesThe tinai concept is based on the idea that the Sangam Society was divided into five distinct ecological zones, each with its own unique characteristics. The five tinais are:
- Kurinji: A hilly or mountainous region
- Mullai: A pastoral region
- Marutham: A riverine or agricultural region
- Neytal: A coastal region
- Palai: An arid or desert region
* Poetic mode
In Tamil poetics, tinai is a type of poetical mode or theme that combines geography with rules for poetry. Each tinai is set in a specific time, place, and season, and includes background elements like flora, fauna, inhabitants, deities, and social organization.
* Organizing concept
The tinai concept operates as both an organizing concept and a unifying poetic device.
* Relationship with the means of earning a livelihood
The tinai concept is based on the relationship between geographic conditions and the means of earning a livelihood.
* Network of symbiotic exchange
The tinais were overlapping formations with no clear boundaries, and each tinai had contacts with the other, forming a network of symbiotic exchange.
* Comparison to the ecosystem approach
The tinai concept can be compared to the modern ecosystem approach adopted in the study of cultures.
Ecoregions
The five eco-regions in the Thinai concept are Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neytal and Palai.
The Thinai concept is based on the relationship between the geographic conditions and the means of earning a living. Each eco-region had its own distinct characteristics, including a presiding deity, people, and cultural life.
The eco-regions were closely associated with a particular landscape, and the imagery associated with that landscape was woven into poems to convey a mood. The eco-regions were overlapping formations with no clear boundaries, and each had contacts with the other, forming a network of symbiotic exchange.
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