Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents an interpretative ecological history of the Indian subcontinent. Using a general theory of ecological history, the authors provide a fresh interpretation of India's history, including an ecological account of the caste system and a sociological analysis of resource use. The Second Edition comes with a new Preface by the authors.
Table of ContentsPREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; PROLOGUE: PRUDENCE AND PROFLIGACY; PART ONE: A THEORY OF ECOLOGICAL HISTORY; 1. HABITATS IN HUMAN HISTORY; PART TWO: TOWARDS A CULTURAL ECOLOGY OF PRE-MODERN INDIA; 2. FOREST AND FIRE; 3. CASTE AND CONSERVATION; PART THREE: ECOLOGICAL CHANGE AND SOCIAL CONFLICT IN MODERN INDIA; 4. CONQUEST AND CONTROL; 5. THE FIGHT FOR THE FOREST; 6. BIOMASS FOR BUSINESS; 7. COMPETING CLAIMS ON THE COMMONS; 8. CULTURES IN CONFLICT; BIBLIOGRAPHY; INDEX