SUBSISTENCE RELATIONSHIPS: COMMUNITIES AND NATURE

BY

NIRDOSH KUMAR AND DEEPIKA RAWAT

PART 4
(UN) CONVENTIONAL MAPPINGS

Man and Nature

The relationship between man and environment has been established in the early periods itself. Human beings live in the kingdom of nature and interact with it constantly. The influence of nature is in the form of the air he breathes, the water he drinks, the food he eats and the flow of energy and information.

Nature is seen as a means of self- sustenance

Ploughing of fields through traditional method.

(Shalwad village of Parbati valley,Kullu,Himachal Pradesh)

Collecting water from perennial aquifer.

(Melghat tiger reserve, Maharashtra)

Local material like bamboo being used as construction of houses in tribal villages. 

(Marita village inside Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra ) 

Drying of chillies for self consumption
(Kannaun village, Parbati valley,Kullu, Himachal Pradesh)

Nature is seen as a means of livelihood

Mahua production is a means of livelihood for the people near Melghat region. It is used for oil,jaggery and other several uses  like homemade liquor.

(Marita village inside Melghat tiger reserve, Maharashtra)

 

 

Local seed preparation:

Some part of harvest is saved for next season sowing, which reduces dependency on markets. 

(Shoal village, Parbati valley,Himachal Pradesh)

Ash from household cooking and other sources (image below)and waste from animals and household is used as manure (later image) in fields to increase productivity.

(Shalwad village, Parbati valley, Himachal Pradesh)

Environment and Development

The environment is where we live and development is what we all do in an attempt to improve our comforts within that abode. Any change in the environment can not only result in devastating effects but can also pose a threat to the human race.

Western perspectives of development have been superimposed universally which are more market and profit oriented, focusing only upon a small group of influential people and those living in harmony with nature are considered as primitive and backward and are marginalised in the name of development.

Earlier, fuel wood collection was done for cooking food without actually harming the environment. 

                                 (Shalwad village, Himachal Pradesh)

But over the years, due to commodification, consumerism and infrastructural development, this has led to timber collection involving reckless cutting of trees and eventually deterioration of the environment.

Traditionally, houses were built using local resources i.e. wooden logs and stones; they were safe, but as the houses started building from concrete, complications and difficulties began to persist as they were more vulnerable to natural hazards and disasters.

The house is being constructed from local material which is suitable according to local condition (image above) whereas house constructed with modern material (image below) has developed cracks. 

(Kannaun village, Parbati valley) 

Due to development, traditional houses were replaced by concrete structures which have posed a severe threat to natural environment.

(Sainj, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh)

The construction of dam in ecologically sensitive area has led to several ecological problems.
(Khadoha village, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh) 

Need for Awareness

Due to human interventions, environment is deteriorating at a very large scale. Building citizen’s awareness for environmental conservation is very important nowadays. The environmental crisis is now entering a phase which is very alarming. Nature is not only for human beings but it also supports millions of other species. Therefore, we need to save the environment to save ourselves and all the other living beings.                         

(Dehradoon, Uttarakhand)

(Udaipur, Rajasthan)

(Both images from Melghat tiger reserve, Maharastra)

Whenever western perspectives of development comes in way of traditional societies and nature, then ecological degradation starts. In the process of development, indigenous knowledge is being neglected and instead of getting benefitted by this development, they become victims of these developmental processes. With continuous marginalization and negligence, people do not feel connected to these developmental processes and there comes a time when people get agitated and a need for socio- environment movement is felt amongst them.

Author's Bio- Note:

Nirdosh and Deepika are currently pursuing their Masters in Geography from Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi.

RISHIKESH: “RAGA ON THE GANGES”

BY

ASHUTOSH KUMAR

PART 3
(UN)CONVENTIONAL MAPPINGS

A perfect blend of tradition, spirituality and scenic beauty, Rishikesh is a place which attracts visitors from all over the world.  Situated on the right bank of the river Ganga and surrounded on all sides by beautiful string of  Shivalik hills, Rishikesh has been a destination attracting people from all across the globe because of her many traditional, cultural and spiritual facets and giving them a wonderful experience of a lifetime.

“And, as the day passes, Rishikesh keeps unfolding itself and presents something new in front of you.”*

Rishikesh is truly a treat for the soul!

Blissful morning sunrises with its serene ambience and ferries across the river Ganges silences the mind and puts every person to deep thoughts. Its beauty is so much mesmerizing!

“A walk down the riverfront is a walk down the flowing stream of Indian culture.”*

Best known as the “the world capital of Yoga”, it is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha.

As hundreds of Ashrams and Dharmasalas dot the river valley, over the years Rishikesh has become famous throughout the world as an enclave of saints and sages.

For some it satisfies their cultural curiosity, and for others it is a destination worth reaching to for the peace it abounds with. And these visitors become a part of the beauty and the vividness of Rishikesh.

The array of variety of shops makes shopping in Rishikesh a memorable experience. Mostly these shops are owned by Tibetan refugees and migrants.

For a very unusual experience, White water rafting is the main adventure popular amongst all water sports.

Your first encounter will be the beginning of the addiction!

Not only do they dip themselves in the holy river Ganges, but they seem to be totally immersed in “Indianess”. Their demeanor reflects their desire to observe India and its culture in true spirit.

Spending the evening just sitting on one’s own or with a book for company is such a bliss!

One ends up finding himself in the most amazing ways possible!

Parmarth Ashram is a true spiritual haven…A place connecting people’s hearts with its religious and spiritual air. Also, it is the largest Ashram in India and amongst a few Ashrams left in India where Kids get the Vedas' Education.

The evening Aarti is something you cannot miss to experience.

Then finally the moment comes when the sky is full of colors as the sun begins to shrink out of sight.

As the moon descends over the Ganges, spend late night evenings simply looking at the flowing river, endlessly!

The Ghats can be enjoyed not only for the brilliance of the daily Aarti, but for the serenity and dreaminess they have. It is an experience so soothing that it stays with for long.

* The quotes are author's own.

Author’s Bio- Note:

Ashutosh is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Geography from Delhi School of Economics. He is bit of a traveller who never misses out a moment to snap best of the things around him. He travels to explore, to see and experience new things. He believes, “When I travel, I learn the best.”

IMPRINTS OF THE EVERYDAY: PENNING MAPS OF KOLKATA

BY 
ADRIJA DE, CHANDAN NANDI AND GAYATRI CHAUDHURY


EDITED BY 

ARUNIMA GHOSHAL

PART 2
(UN) CONVENTIONAL MAPPINGS

Mapping the city of Kolkata through the contours of the pencil, this article captures the essence of Kolkata through the enmeshed visions of the present, the everyday and nostalgia. The mottled strokes are a reminder of the shades of the city life. Here is a map of the city that will remind us to wander in the streets instead of trying to following the dotted lines/arrows on our GPS screens. Here is a map that celebrates the being of the city in all its glory. Adrija De, Chandan Nandi and Gayatri Chaudhury carve their memories, nostalgia and perceptions of the city that they feel. Their artistic endeavor opens up a world that is personal and yet they penetrate into the soul of the city, capture it and give it to us in these unique mappings of Kolkata.

This first sketch introduces us to monumental grandeur that a child sees in the city. Children and adults alike, love  to celebrate these outstanding visions that the city presents. The Victoria Memorial is one such icon of grandeur. We have spent numerous hours in the gardens and fields around the iconic building. Adrija De through her lovely strokes instantly captures a historic feel that the city emulates. Here is our first step to knowing and mapping the city.

The Victoria Memorial: Icon of the City and Memory Alike 
by 
Adrija De

Having taken a grand look at the cityscape, our map takes us towards another Kolkata. Chandan Nandi, through his captivating artistry brings forth the people of the city, its living streets. His sketches map the city in a manner that is bound to make every Kolkatan nostalgic. Be it the Legendary ‘Fuchka’ or panipuri as many of you may know, or the congested roads through which trams glide about their ways, this map guides us through the streets of Kolkata in its own unique way.

Get to know the city through Fuchka 
by 
Chandan Nandi

Make Way for the Tram
by 
Chandan Nandi

Chandan bares the soul of Kolkata through his interpretations of the city streets. The picture below juxtaposes the story of survival and another legend – the Bharer Chaa or a cup of tea that one finds in every corner of the city.  

The ‘Bharer Chaa’

by 
Chandan Nandi

The bus being the easiest and cheapest form of public transport in the city doesn’t fail to met out special treatment to the ladies. 

Novelties of Public Transport- The Kolkata Bus

by 
Chandan Nandi

This special mapping of Kolkata ends with the memory and nostalgia that Gayatri Chaudhury pours out through her alluring image of the city. The quintessential Bengali babu buys the sweets from ‘Maa  Lakhhi’ shop in the early morning  and while returning from his daily walk through the busy streets.

The Babumoshay and his Box of Sweets 
by 
Gayatri Chaudhury

Our unique map of the Kolkata city gives us a sense of the place that it is, and in the process celebrates the joy the city is. Our artists through their rustic strokes capture the city’s soul in its everyday streetscape.

Editor’s Bio- Note

Arunima Ghoshal is currently pursuing her M. Phil from Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi.

Contributor’s Bio-Note:

Adrija De is a student of Class 12 and loves to read and explore various artistic endeavors. To her, the city of Kolkata is the City of Joy and she tries to capture it through her sketch.

 Chandan Nandi is an architect by profession and is a lover of art. His eyes find a new and a unique city at every turn.

Gayatri Chaudhury finds happiness in travelling and exploring new places. Having left Kolkata twenty years ago, her sketch reveals memories and nostalgia of the place she has left behind.