Witnessing Environmental Violence: Political Ecology and Climate Change in Amitav Ghosh’s The Living Mountain

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between political ecology and climate change by analysing Amitav Ghosh’s The Living Mountain (2022). Drawing upon the theoretical framework of postcolonial ecocriticism, this study examines how the novel portrays environmental violence, shedding light on its political, social, and ecological dimensions. Ghosh’s narrative underscores the profound impacts of climate change on both natural landscapes and human societies, highlighting the vulnerability of marginalized communities. Environmental violence is central to this exploration, as it encompasses the tangible and intangible harm inflicted upon ecosystems, non-human species, and human populations. Through a close reading of the text, this study examines how the living mountain becomes the witness of symbolizing resilience, resistance, and the interconnectedness of all life forms. By situating the context of political ecology and climate change discourse, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the novella’s thematic richness and its relevance to contemporary environmental crises.