The Interanimated Matrix: Women, Nature, and Patriarchy in the Novels of Sudha Murty and Pundalik Naik

Historically, both the natural world and women were held in high reverence, with early communities engaging in veneration and conservation. However, the progression of human societies introduced patriarchal dominance and unrestrained exploitation, leading to the degradation of the environment—manifesting as ecological crises like ozone depletion and seismic events—and the subordination of the female gender. This paper utilizes an ecofeminist methodology to investigate the correspondence between the subjugation of women and the deterioration of nature, viewing both as victims of the dominant culture/male paradigm. Through the analysis of two selected literary texts, the study demonstrates these parallel forms of victimization: Sudha Murty’s Gently Falls the Bakula illustrates the protagonist’s loss of identity and autonomy within a loveless, oppressive marriage, leading to her pursuit of emancipation; and Pundalik Naik’s The Upheaval directly juxtaposes the environmental damage from extractive industries with the increased exploitation of women in both public and private life. Ultimately, this analysis aims to establish the clear similarities in the extent of victimization experienced by the natural realm and by women within the prevailing patriarchal system.