River Sarayu: The Heart and Soul of Malgudi – An Ecocritical Study of the Portrayal of River Sarayu in R. K. Narayan's Fiction

This research article explores the portrayal of the River Sarayu in the fictional world of R. K. Narayan, particularly in relation to his imaginary town Malgudi. Rivers have historically played a crucial role in shaping human civilizations, culture, and socio-economic life. In Narayan’s fiction, the Sarayu River emerges as more than a geographical element; it becomes an enduring symbolic presence that influences the lives, culture, and emotional landscape of the people of Malgudi. Using the theoretical framework of ecocriticism, the study examines how Narayan depicts the river as a living ecological and cultural entity. The Sarayu functions as a setting for daily life, a source of economic activity, a centre of spiritual practices, and an inspiration for art, romance, and social harmony. At the same time, the article also reflects on the environmental concerns embedded in Narayan’s narratives, particularly the changing relationship between humans and nature due to modernization and technological development. The article argues that Narayan’s fiction subtly communicates ecological awareness rooted in Indian cultural traditions that view nature with reverence and spiritual significance. By analysing several novels and stories set in Malgudi, the study highlights how the river Sarayu becomes a metaphor for ecological balance, cultural continuity, and environmental responsibility. This resource is useful for students and researchers in Indian English Literature, Ecocriticism, Environmental Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Postcolonial Literary Studies.