Ecofeminism and Indigenous Ecology in Sheela Tomy’s Valli

Abstract

The paper explores the intersection of ecofeminism and Indigenous ecology in Valli by Sheela Tomy. Set in the forested landscape of Wayanad, the novel depicts the intimate relationship between Adivasi communities, women, and the natural environment. The study argues that Valli presents the forest not merely as a physical setting but as a living and sacred entity that shapes identity, memory, and cultural continuity. Through an ecofeminist lens, the paper examines how women emerge as custodians of ecological knowledge, preserving traditional practices related to medicinal plants, food, rituals, and environmental stewardship. Their experiences reveal that the exploitation of nature is closely connected to the oppression of women and marginalized communites. The paper also investigates Indigenous ecology in the novel by analyzing how Adivasi worldviews promote a sustainable and reciprocal relationship with land, animals, and forests. In contrast to modern development, plantation expansion, and commercialization, Indigenous knowledge systems emphasize coexistence rather than domination. The study highlights how ecological destruction leads to displacement, cultural erosion, and the loss of ancestral memory. By linking gender, environment, and social justice, Valli offers a powerful critique of patriarchal and capitalist models of development. The findings demonstrate that the protection of forests is inseparable from the preservation of women’s knowledge and Indigenous cultural heritage. The novel ultimately suggests that ecological sustainability depends on respecting both nature and the communities that have historically lived in harmony with it.