The Mountain Speaks: An Ecocritical Journey through Mamang Dai's Poetic Landscape

A simple remote corner of the country, the Northeast region of India is a land of pristine natural landscape and ecologically rich biodiversity. By its enchanting jungles, meandering rivers, lofty mountains, and peaceful valleys, the imagination of countless writers and poets been deeply captivated. It's essence however goes beyond nature. The place celebrates its diverse history, with a long line of multi-ethnic communities and strong cultural values. With all these unique ecological and cultural features, the Northeast holds its distinct place in Indian geographical landscape. For the Northeast writers, natural world always takes the center stage in their narratives. Picturized in vibrant colors and sounds, and touched with emotion through sensory language, lyrical prose, and evocative imagery, nature is given a distinct character. Dai's writings also highlight similar subjects concerned with the indigenous groups and their natural surroundings. In her works, a strong relation among indigenous identity, tribal ancestry, and the natural world is revealed. This study places her work within the framework of ecocriticism and attempts to highlight the inherent value of the natural world depicted in her poem “The Voice of the Mountain.”