This Fissured Land, first published in 1992, presents an interpretative history ecological history of the Indian subcontinent. It offers a theory of ecological prudence and profligacy, testing this theory across the wide sweep of South Asian history. The book especially focuses on the use and abuse of forest resources. In Part One, the authors present a general theory of ecological history. Part Two provides a fresh interpretative history of pre-modern India along with an ecological interpretation of the caste system. In Part Three, the authors draw upon a huge wealth of source material in their socio-ecological analysis of the modes of resource use introduced in India by the British. The Second Edition comes with a new Preface by the authors.

About the Author
Madhav Gadgil is former Professor of Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Ramachandra Guha is one of India's best-known historians, and a full-time author and columnist.


Book Information
ISBN 9780198077442
Author Madhav Gadgil
Format Paperback
Page Count 312
Imprint OUP India
Publisher OUP India
Weight(grams) 264g
Dimensions(mm) 217mm * 141mm * 16mm