Shifting Terrain of Eco-Nationalism in India: A Historical Review

Abstract

This review traces the evolution of eco-nationalism in India—from early religio-ecological resistance in the pre-colonial and colonial eras, through post-independence state-led developmental nationalism, to its contemporary inflection under majoritarian politics. It argues that eco-nationalism has unfolded in distinct, historically contingent phases, each reflecting shifting power relations, social priorities, and political appropriations. Drawing on Anderson's concept of imagined communities and Greenfeld's definition of the nation, the review highlights that not all environmental movements can be subsumed under a monolithic eco-nationalist banner, given internal contestations and competing visions of national consciousness. By synthesizing insights from political ecology, ecofeminism, and subaltern studies, the paper reveals eco-nationalism as a contested terrain that simultaneously advances ecological justice and reinforces exclusion. It calls for a justice-centered environmentalism rooted in India's plural ecological traditions, prioritizing inclusivity over nationalist hegemony. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.