SHIFTING EGOISM TO ECO-ISM: A STUDY OF THE APATANI TRIBAL CULTURE IN ECOCRITICAL PARADIGM

Abstract

The human civilization today overtly exploits the environment for its materialistic gain. The obsession for a modernized and civilized culture has led to a definite destruction of the ecosystem: forest, land, atmosphere, water bodies etc. The result of such detrimental practices would ultimately lead to a definite decay of the human civilization. The present paper tries to eco-critically examine the cultural attributes of the Apatani Tribe residing in the Ziro valley of the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. In doing so, their folk tales and folk traditions will be taken into consideration. From their folk tales to their festivals, way of living etc. the tribe hails what is considered the ‘natural.’ TheApatani tribe shares a very inter-dependent and harmonious relationship with the environment.Known for their sustainable methods of co-living, this tribe believes in protecting the nature and developing methods to sustain the natural resources. Nominated by the UNESCO as a site of “Cultural Heritage,” the Apatanis stand as a paradigm today in front of the mainstream humanity.