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Eco-exoticism in Thorny Land: Invasion of Cheemakaruvel

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Abstract

This chapter explores the concept of ecological exoticism in relation to the video documentary Thorny Land: Invasion of Cheemakaruvel. The documentary is an account of the spread of cheemaikaruvel (Prosopis juliflora), a thorny bush found in every type of South Indian landscape, from mountainous to desert. The following discussion aims to establish the inherent conflict between the native and the exotic, from ecological, cultural, and social perspectives, particularly regarding Prosopis’s nomenclature in Tamil Nadu. From the introduction of the plant by the British, who named it a “royal plant,” to its literal colonisation, destroying surrounding local plant life, this discussion will highlight the damage it has caused to the landscape. It will also undertake an ethical enquiry in order to comprehend the concept of “otherness,” from the point of view of Prosopis juliflora.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa, 403726, India

    Rayson K. Alex

  2. Department of English (Self-financed stream), Madras Christian College, Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    K. Samuel Moses Srinivas

  3. Department of English, MES College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar, Goa, 403726, India

    S. Susan Deborah

Authors
  1. Rayson K. Alex
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  2. K. Samuel Moses Srinivas
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  3. S. Susan Deborah
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences, Pilani, Goa, India

    Rayson K. Alex

  2. M. E. S. College of Arts & Commerce, Goa, India

    S. Susan Deborah

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Alex, R.K., Srinivas, K.S.M., Deborah, S.S. (2016). Eco-exoticism in Thorny Land: Invasion of Cheemakaruvel . In: Alex, R., Deborah, S. (eds) Ecodocumentaries. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56224-1_11

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