Eco-Caste Nexus: The Intersection of Ecocriticism and Caste Discrimination in Meena Kandasamy’s The Gypsy Goddess

Abstract

The intersection of environmental degradation and caste discrimination in India presents a complex matrix of social injustice, rooted in historical oppression and shaped by contemporary challenges. This research article explores the Eco-Caste Nexus within Meena Kandasamy’s novel, The Gypsy Goddess, which intricately narrates the aftermath of the Kilvenmani massacre of 1968—a pivotal event that exposes the intertwined realities of ecological exploitation and caste-based violence. Despite the extensive scholarship on caste discrimination and social injustice in Kandasamy’s work, the specific intersection of environmental degradation and caste oppression remains underexplored. This article aims to fill this gap by applying an ecocritical lens to The Gypsy Goddess, thereby contributing to a nuanced understanding of how literature reflects and critiques the interconnected issues of environmental and social justice. By examining the dynamics of the Eco-Caste Nexus, this study seeks to unveil the layers of oppression sustained by both environmental exploitation and caste discrimination, offering insights into the broader struggle for liberation and justice.