Reclaiming Nature and Womanhood: An Ecofeminist Reading of Mitra Phukan’s The Collector’s Wife

Abstract

The paper explores Mitra Phukan’s (1953-) The Collector’s Wife (2005) through an ecofeminist lens, examining the interconnections between women's oppression and environmental degradation. It is set against the political unrest in Assam during the 1970s and 80s, and analyses how the novel intertwines the female character Rukmini’s internal conflict, infertility, and identity crisis with the exploitation of nature, reflecting broader themes of resilience and oppression. The paper employs Indian environmental activist and ecofeminist Vandana Shiva’s (1952-) ecofeminist theory, and highlights the spiritual and empowering link between women and the environment, positioning Rukmini’s journey as one of resilience and transformation. Additionally, the paper employs literary analysis alongside cultural ecofeminism and incorporates Samkhya philosophy’s prakrti- nature as a dynamic feminine principle symbolising regeneration and resistance to explore Rukmini’s transformative journey. Through her journey, the novel suggests that women’s resilience and nature’s regenerative power are deeply intertwined.  By examining these intersections, the paper critiques the patriarchal structures that perpetuate parallel disempowerment of women and ecological oppression and advocates for the recognition of their shared strength and regenerative potential of women and nature, and emphasises the need for ecological harmony and gender equality.