De-colonizing Nature: Eco-criticism and Traditionalism in Jim Corbett’s My India and Jungle Lore

Abstract

The birth and evolution of human civilization was nurtured under the warm parenthood of nature. Worshipping nature and the cosmos appears to be an integral part of mythologies around the world. The ancient Vedic Age in India bears innumerable instances of treating the nature as an embodiment of god. During the formative period of social development, Hindus perceived knowledge and ideas about nature through the mythological concepts associated with god. Mountains, caves, rocks, forests, trees, plants and healing herbs were analyzed as prominent cipher for feminine strength innate with nature. In Vedic science, there are suggestions for building an ecological strategy based on the concept of Rta the cosmic rhythm which balances the earth. The entire earth is a continual by the cosmic principle of Rta. It is an uncongenial power which regulates the life on earth at the natural and human level. The two earthly functions of birth and death are embodied in the fundamental ecological principle of interdependence. In every environment the entire biotic community constituting hills, forests, plants and animal species along with soil, water or air forms a unified life support system. Even if one fraction of this elaborate and extensive network is harmed, the whole composition will weaken and face gradual destruction.