Author(s): Neha Bhutkar, Dr. Sandeep P. Joshi

Abstract: Postcolonialism and ecocriticism are two significant frameworks that intersect profoundly, especially in literature and cultural studies. V.S. Naipaul’s A Bend in the River exemplifies this intersection, exploring themes of identity, colonial legacy, and environmental concerns within a postcolonial context. Naipaul intricately weaves these themes to highlight the lasting effects of colonialism on both individuals and their surroundings. His novel challenges readers to reflect on the struggles of postcolonial societies as they reconcile their histories while facing pressing ecological issues. This study examines how A Bend in the River bridges postcolonial and ecocritical perspectives. A postcolonial reading reveals the deep impact of both colonial and postcolonial forces on the ecological landscapes of formerly colonized regions. Through an ecocritical lens, the novel draws parallels between environmental exploitation and the oppression of indigenous populations, demonstrating how Naipaul intertwines ecological destruction with cultural erosion as twin legacies of imperialism. The novel portrays the complex struggle to reclaim both environmental balance and cultural identity in the aftermath of colonial rule. By linking nature’s subjugation to the marginalization of the colonized, Naipaul’s work underscores the enduring ecological consequences of imperialism and the ongoing fight for restoration.

Keywords: Postcolonialism, Ecocriticism, Environmental degradation, Indigenous identity, Imperialism, Cultural autonomy Ecological integrity.

Article Info: Received: 10 Jan 2025; Received in revised form: 06 Feb 2025; Accepted: 10 Feb 2025; Available online: 15 Feb 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.101.23