Chapter 7
Jadi Butiyan And Nature;
A Study Of YRKKH Through An Environmental Lens
The relationship between the earthy subdued women of YRKKH to the nature is an ode to eco feminism. Akshara is an extremely feminine, down to earth woman and is a victim of harrassment by her own sister, similar to the 'nature' that is always giving but is at the receiving end of exploitation and modernity. Aarohi is brash, modern and materialistic and constantly exploits Akshara, similar to the technologic advancements that reaps destruction on our environment on a daily basis as Vandana Shiva argues. This parallel is obvious in the sisters' choice of profession as well. Akshara is a music therapist and believes in the healing power of nature through its jadi bhutiyan whereas Aarohi is a modern doctor whose faith is in big pharma that exploits and pollutes water resources all over the world.
This is hardly one reference to the importance of environment and ecology in the show. We all know tribal communities and especially their languages are a repository of environmental and ecological knowledge. With the increasing extinction of tribal languages, we are losing centuries of accumulated knowledge about medicines and biodiversity. Akshara however is the savarna savior who has accessed these from the tribes of Rajastan, ensuring they are cataloged well. As I mentioned in the first chapter she is a subaltern as well as Gramsci's organic intellectual. She is a token subaltern because she is an ally to the subaltern cause (tribes in this scenario) and simultaneously gate keeping their knowledge, helping them break out of their shackles and exploitation by empowering them and bringing these gharelu nuskas back into the mainstream. The modern surgeon Abhimanyu will be assisting her in this especially by providing these nuskas with credibility.
Additionally, the family mansions of YRKKH are not just concrete structures. Apart for the culture that imbues the homely space, they have vast gardens rich with biodiversity emphasizing on a holistic living intermingling with nature.
Similarly YRKKH families are made of ritual purity. They can never think of depending on the market for those essentials that are core to their traditions and rituals. Hence, the beautiful gardens serve one another purpose. As you can see, the families always utilise mehendi leaves from their gardens and grind it in the traditional way for the mehendi ritual since it can't be "impure". Similarly, Manjari on her own dug out the turmeric which she grew in the Birla gardens and grinded it for the Haldi function to ensure "purity".
Therefore, I would like to conclude this chapter by arguing that nature plays a major role in the everyday lives of YRKKH women in ensuring their physical, spiritual as well as ritual purities. Though it took climate change to hit us hard on our faces to realise the need for immediate environmental conservation, the women of YRKKH has been the flag bearers of India's environmental movements since the early days.
PS: I am back. I had a major academic's block, but the forum gifted me with much inspiration today. Read and leave your comments please. And forgive me if it is not upto the mark.
I love your nature to observe the Rishta women's love for nature... 🤣🤣
But I really love your writing skills ❤
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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