Resurrecting Eco Spiritual Myth: Understanding the Hidden Message of Amitav Ghosh's Jungle Nama

This paper mainly explores Jungle Nama by Amitav Ghosh from an Eco-spiritual perspective. This long narrative poem deals with certain existing legends which have been a source of strength for the natives of Sundarban since ages. In this work, Amitav Ghoshbeautifully captures the spirit of the Jungle which stands as a grand entity inhabited by figures like Bon Bibi, Shah Jangoli, the evil Dokkhin Rai and the sometimes innocent, sometimes ignorant human beings. For the natives, the goddess - Bon Bibi is a saviour and an integral part of their identity. Irrespective of religion, people associate with her and seek solace. She commands respect and generates eco-spiritual values which renders the locals as eco-friendly people. In the current scenario, the third-world countries are struggling to build their post-colonial identity. The aspects of ‘Eco-spirituality’ as upheld in this work can provide distinctness to the Indian spirit. Also, as a potential theoretical framework, this will generate ideas to the western world for sustainable development.