Description
Book SynopsisA first of its kind in India, the book addresses the fundamental questions of environmental concern and enquires into the complex patterns of human–nature interaction within the discipline of environmental history in India. This book delves into history to examine a number of critical themes, such as waterbodies and water, forests, land use, wildlife and the issue of the history of climate in India. It focuses on the methodological and historiographical aspects of environmental history and raises new questions to open up new windows leading to fresh research questions. The book argues that environmental history would serve as an important gateway to the history of the human–nature relationship, for example, exploring the role of water history would help in understanding the present context of water crisis in Indian cities.
Critical Themes in Environmental History of India is a powerful reminder of the fact that in the context of Indian history it is now necessary to listen to the voice of nature more carefully.
Table of ContentsForeword - Arvind P. Jamkhedkar Preface Acknowledgements SECTION I: Environmental History of India: Methodology and Scope Environmental History of India: An Introduction - Ranjan Chakrabarti Sources, Environment and Historians - Mayank Kumar SECTION II: Rivers and Water Environmental History of Water in Indian Cities - Gopa Samanta History of Waterbodies in India - M. Amirthalingam SECTION III: Forest, Land Use, Wildlife and Animals Ancient Forests and Sacred Groves - Nanditha Krishna Plant Domestication and Evolution of Agriculture in India - Anantanarayan Raman Environmental Change and Forest Conservancy in Southwest Bengal (1890–1964) - Nirmal Mahato Hunting, Wildlife and Preservation in Colonial India (1850–1947) - Kakoli Sinha Roy SECTION IV: Climate and Disaster Climate, Environment and the Harappan Civilization - Michel Danino History of Earthquakes in India - M. Amirthalingam Cyclones of Coastal Eastern India - Mili Ghose Climatic Change and Its Impact on North East India - Sajal Nag Index
