Unveiling Tribal Ecological Knowledge in Nidhi Dugar Kundalia’s White as Milk and Rice

Ms. Ashika S. P.
Senior Research Fellow (NTA Ref No: 200510530934), Research Scholar (Register number: 21113154012017),
Department of English, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil-629 002.
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli-627012, Tamil Nadu, India.)
Email: ashikasp98@gmail.com

Dr. Uma Maheswari R. M.
Associate Professor & Research Supervisor,
Department of English, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil-629 002.
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli-627012, Tamil Nadu, India.)
Email: rm.uma.2079@gmail.com

Abstract
Tribal ecological knowledge (TEK) is a cumulative body of traditional knowledge transmitted through generations, offering insights into the intricate relationships between Indigenous communities and their environment. Acknowledging previously undocumented aspects of indigenous knowledge facilitates the restoration and maintenance of environmental equilibrium. The primary material opted for the study is Nidhi Dugar Kundalia’s White as Milk and Rice. The study aims to investigate the crucial role of TEK in fostering sustainable practices and elucidates the inherent value of TEK in promoting ecological integrity and social justice. The findings substantiate the lived experiences of these communities, thereby amplifying their unheard voices and contributing to the integration of TEK in achieving an equitable society.

Keywords: Tribal ecological knowledge, Ecological restoration, Collaborative conservation.