Environmental Degradation and Cultural Narratives: Analyzing Ankush Saikia’s Representation of Northeast India

Name of Author : Rashmi HN

Abstract: This paper explores the intersection of environmental degradation and cultural narratives in contemporary fiction, focusing on the Northeast Indian region. In particular, it examines Ankush Saikias crime fiction novel The Forest Beneath the Mountains 2022, which serves as a lens to understand the changing cultural meanings of this region amidst environmental decline. Northeast India, a region often depicted in literature with rich, diverse landscapes, is undergoing significant transformations due to climate change and historical forces. Saikias novel reflects these shifts by incorporating environmental decay into its narrative, thus providing a nuanced commentary on how such degradation impacts both physical spaces and cultural perceptions.

Keywords : Environmental Degradation, Cultural Narratives, Climate Change, Geographical Space, Cultural Meaning, Ecological Impact

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