• Dr R Janani

ABSTRACT The concern towards the environment and nature is the need of the time. Since ancient times human life and their exploitation towards nature have existed. The literature of contemporary times tries to reiterate the need of conservation of nature through their writings. Our ancient Indian culture and tradition throws light upon Vedic philosophies that ensures balance of human life with the development and economic growth without causing havoc to the environment. The need for world ecological vision is very important to understand the intrinsic values of nature and to preserve them for the future. The retelling of the great Indian epic The Mahabharata, by Chitra Banerjee in her book The Palace of Illusions envisions the effects of man’s egoistic approach towards both humankind and nature. The book throws insight on the effects of war and the destruction caused by man to nature. The anthropocentric attitude of man has resulted in the subjugation of mankind especially women and nature are highlighted in the novel. The study of Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi gives a different approach in understanding man’s egocentric attitude towards ecology. The study gives a scope to reread the text from man’s egocentric view to ecocentric view of nature.

Key Words Ecology, Anthropocentrism, Ecocentrism, Egocentrism, Vedic philosophy, Indian culture.

"Reweaving the Epic: Ecocritical Perspectives in The Palace of illusions", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no.d439-d449, December-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412353.pdf

"Reweaving the Epic: Ecocritical Perspectives in The Palace of illusions", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no. ppd439-d449, December-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412353.pdf