Nature, Femininity, and Power: An Ecofeminist Reading of Vaishali

Annu Maria Philip

Ecofeminism also called ecological feminism, a branch of feminism that examines the
connections between women and nature. Its name was coined by French feminist Francoise
d’Eaubonne in 1974. Ecofeminism uses the basic feminist tenets of equality between genders, a
revaluation of non-patriarchal or nonlinear structures, and a view of the world that respects
organic processes, holistic connections, and the merits of intuition and collaboration. To these
notions ecofeminism adds both a commitment to the environment and an awareness of the
associations made between women and nature.

Eco-feminism, which is the curious fusion of ecology and feminism, is a concept which
questions patriarchal oppression and the exploitation of nature. Women and the environment are
two beings who sacrifice their existence for the need and greed of others. Nature protects us,
nurtures us and she allows us to grow in her shades but we give her only pain and bleeding in
return. Similarly, women, especially, mothers sacrifice their lives for us and in turn we give
women only pain and sufferings. Women and earth are deeply associated when we personify
earth as mother earth. Earth’s purity and divinity is equated with that of women. It is in this
context that we sync eco criticism and feminism. Women and nature face the same problem.
Both are being exploited and they plead for their survival.

Vaishali is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language epic mythological drama film directed and edited
by Bharathan. Produced by M. M. Ramachandran and scripted by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. Based
on a sub-story narrated by Vedavyasa to Yudhishtira in the epic Mahabharata, the plot follows a
young Devadasi girl Vaishali. A resident of Champapuri, she is assigned the task of seducing
Rishyashrungan, a sage yet to lay eyes upon a woman, and bringing him to Chambapuri, which
is plagued by extreme drought. Rishyashrungan’s presence is predicted to bring rain to the
kingdom, thus releasing it from a Brahmin's curse that brought on a long drought to the land.

Vaishali is the daughter of Malini, a Devadasi who was once a concubine to the king. Malini
brings up Vaishali chaperoned, and with no intention to have her take up the Devadasi
profession. But King Lomapadan requests Malini to have Vaishali take up the task of bringing
Rishyashrungan to Chambapuri. Still affectionate towards the king, Malini agrees. She also
reveals to the king that Vaishali is in fact their love child and demands that he must acknowledge
her paternity once the task is done, which he seems to agree to. Thus, the adolescent Vaishali
embarks on the journey and ends up being caught in a web of emotions, politics, and caste-based
sanctions.

Ecofeminism in Vaishali can be explored through the parallels it draws between the exploitation
of women and nature, as well as the symbolic connection between the protagonist, Vaishali, and
the natural world. Vaishali is portrayed as an embodiment of purity, sensuality, and emotional
depth, much like the natural environment she is closely associated with. The lush landscapes,
forests, and rivers surrounding her symbolize her untamed and free spirit. Her connection with
nature is emphasized in scenes where she is shown amidst natural elements, reflecting her
closeness to the environment and her natural, uncorrupted state. She is portrayed as a
personification of nature: pure, vibrant, and untamed. Her connection to the natural world
highlights the ecofeminist idea that women and nature share an intrinsic bond. The tranquil
setting mirrors her innocence and uncorrupted essence, showing how women and nature are
idealized before being subjected to exploitation. Her character arc mirrors the plight of nature.
She begins as a vibrant, free-spirited woman, much like the untouched forests and rivers. As the
story progresses, she is manipulated and ultimately sacrificed for the greater good, echoing how
nature is often exploited and destroyed under the guise of societal progress.

Vaishali is chosen by the king to seduce the hermit Rishyashringa, who represents spiritual
purity, and bring him to the kingdom to end the drought. She is manipulated and objectified as a
tool to achieve the kingdom’s goal, much like how patriarchal systems exploit nature for their
benefit. Both Vaishali and nature are exploited by patriarchal and political systems for selfish
purposes. Nature is commodified, as seen in the kingdom’s desperate attempts to control and
manipulate natural forces for their benefit.

Vaishali journeys into the thick forest to locate Rishyashringa. The forest, which remains
unspoiled by human influence, is depicted as enigmatic and sacred. Vaishali’s engagement with
the forest emphasizes the connection women often have with nature, as both face marginalization
yet demonstrate resilience. Acting on the king's command, she employs her allure and charm to
seduce Rishyashringa. This moment reflects how patriarchal structures compel women to
sacrifice their integrity for the sake of societal objectives. Vaishali's body serves as a
battleground for control, similar to how the environment is manipulated. The scene of seduction
illustrates how both women and nature are deprived of their agency and autonomy to meet
external expectations.

After Rishyashringa agrees to perform the rituals, rain falls, ending the kingdom’s drought.
However, Vaishali’s role in achieving this remains unacknowledged, and she faces personal loss.
Rain, as a symbol of fertility and renewal, is achieved at the cost of Vaishali’s emotional and
physical sacrifice. This mirrors how environmental degradation often accompanies human
prosperity. The rainfall is bittersweet—it signifies life for the kingdom but comes at the expense
of exploiting a woman’s life and dignity, underscoring ecofeminism’s critique of patriarchal
greed.Vaishali’s body and nature’s resources are both seen as commodities, manipulated for the
benefit of a patriarchal system (the king and the kingdom). Her sacrifice mirrors the exploitation
of forests, rivers, and land for short-term gains without regard for long-term consequences.

To conclude ecofeminism is subtly interwoven into the narrative through its portrayal of Vaishali
as a representation of nature and the parallel exploitation of both. The film critiques patriarchal
systems that commodify and sacrifice women and the environment, making it a compelling
ecofeminist text.