INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH CULTURE SOCIETY

Abstract: This present paper aims to analyse some specific contemporary literary narratives through an ecofeminist lens mirroring the twin exploitations of women and nature in patriarchal capitalist society. Ecofeminism is a theoretical framework that posits how the domination of women and exploitation of nature are interconnected. Ecofeminists hold the view that patriarchal dualistic thinking is more responsible behind the oppression of women and exploitation of nature. As per this dualistic concept the one side- men, culture, mind, and reason is deemed superior and the other side- women, nature, heart, and emotion is regarded inferior. Considering women and nature as the “other”, patriarchal systems justify violence, control, and exploitation against them giving priority of mind and reason over heart and emotion in making decisions of developmental works in the name of modernization and urbanization. Drawing from the ecofeminist theories advanced by Vandana Shiva, Maria Mies, Bina Agarwal and Greta Gaard, the study interrogates how patriarchal structures simultaneously exploit women’s bodies and natural landscapes. The study illustrates through Arundhati Roy’s two novels- The God of Small Things (1997), and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017), and Kamala Markandaya’s Nectar in a Sieve (1954).  Each text is examined by foregrounding the voices of the marginalized characters especially women and some other non-human entities showing resistance narratives to reconfigure human-nature relationships. Methodologically, the research employs close textual reading complemented by ecocritical discourse analysis from gendered lens. Findings demonstrate that ecofeminist perspectives not only expose the gendered dimensions of environmental degradation but also illuminate pathways toward more equitable, sustainable development favouring justice for women, nature, and other non- humans.