Water And Human Survival In The Hungry Tide: A Study Of The Past, Present, And Future

Abstract Water has always been central to human survival, shaping civilizations, ecosystems, and migration patterns. Amitav Ghosh’s novel The Hungry Tide explores the deep relationship between water and human existence in the Sundarbans, where people constantly struggle against the forces of nature. This paper examines how water influences the past, present, and future of the characters, portraying it as both a source of life and destruction. The novel reflects on historical connections with water, the present challenges of climate change and displacement, and the uncertain future of communities living in ecologically fragile regions. It highlights the human cost of environmental changes, showing how rising sea levels, storms, and shifting landscapes impact survival. By analyzing the themes of water, resilience, and ecological crisis, this study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable environmental policies. Ghosh’s narrative serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature, urging awareness and action.