• Sreeranjini
• Aiswarya Mukundan

The Enlightenment’s scientific rationalization of nature and society prompted a response in the form of Romanticism, which emphasized the intrinsic value of nature and cultivated ecological consciousness. This research paper explores the interconnectedness of “society, nature, and literature” through the writings of “Vaikom Muhammad Basheer”, focusing on his notable work Bhoomiyude Avakasikal(translated as “The Rightful Inheritors of the Earth”). The narrative reflects the societal attitudes of the 1990s, examining the contrasting perceptions toward animals and the human-nature relationship. The story introduces three viewpoints: the “writer’s wife”, who perceives bats as harmful creatures; the “villagers”, who consider them to be their ancestors; and the “writer”, who asserts that all creatures, regardless of species, share equal ownership of the Earth. One of the key themes in the short narrative is Vasudhaiva kutumbakam, a Sanskrit concept meaning "the world is one family," which emphasizes the unity between humans, animals, and nature. The work challenges anthropocentric worldviews, which place humans at the centre of existence, and instead promotes “biocentrism”, recognizing that animals and other non-human beings are as much a part of the natural world as humans. Through an “ecocritical lens”, Basheer questions the conventional belief that humans are the only rightful inheritors of the Earth and urges readers to adopt a more inclusive view of coexistence. This paper highlights how Basheer’s narrative reflects “Romantic ideals” by delving into the complex relationship between society and nature. It also examines the thematic shift from “anthropocentrism to biocentrism”, proposing that animals, as rightful inhabitants of the world, may even be more deserving of Earth’s resources than humans. Ultimately, Bhoomiyude Avakasikal promotes a vision of harmony and respect between all living beings, encouraging a shift in perspective toward ecological awareness.

"“Anthropocentrism vs. Biocentrism in Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s Bhoomiyude Avakasikal: An Ecocritical Study”", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no.e213-e216, December-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412423.pdf

"“Anthropocentrism vs. Biocentrism in Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s Bhoomiyude Avakasikal: An Ecocritical Study”", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no. ppe213-e216, December-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412423.pdf