India is considered one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. Given the rich variety of ecosystems and geographic landscapes, it contains over seven percent of all recorded species of plants and animals.
As the first part of the Blogchatter’s Cause A Chatter Environment Talk series, I shared book recommendations on climate change and India. Before we proceed any further, we need to take a step back. It is necessary to educate ourselves about the rich natural history of the Indian subcontinent, and India in particular. Before we get to saving the environment and conserving nature, we need to understand the biodiverse ecozones.
What is Natural History?
In simple terms, natural history is the observation of the natural world. From tiny micro-organisms to the towering mountains to humans. From their origin and evolution. With environmental degradation and climatic change, it is imperative that we are well aware of our natural heritage.
Natural History and Environmental History
Environmental history is the study of human interaction with the environment. It is needless to say, it also includes the detrimental impact humans have on the environment. When it comes to conservation or climate change, natural history, and environmental history are not really exclusive from each other.
There are numerous books on natural history. But most are limited to field guides or textbooks. Today I recommend must-read books on the natural and environmental history of the sub-continent. Given the nature of the books, I am only limiting my recommendations to two of my favorites.
Indica: A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent
by Pranay Lal
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Did you know that the rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra sequester nearly 20 percent of global carbon? That Bengaluru owes its unique climate to a tectonic event that occurred 88 million years ago? Or that Rajasaurus, an Indian dinosaur that was perhaps more ferocious than T-Rex?
If there is one single book you must read on the natural history of the Indian subcontinent, it is Indica by Pranay Lal. Acclaimed as the first compelling narrative of India’s deep natural history. Consider it an encyclopedia of sorts. This book is a keeper.
Unlike textbooks that can be too dull, this is an engaging read. I admit when I first picked it up, I did not expect it to be as captivating. The author with the art of storytelling takes you on a journey as you unearth the secrets from the fossils. Corals in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer. Hippos in the Kashmir valley.
The book also reflects on the fact that time is running out. How fossils are sold in the black market as collector’s items. How, in some cases, the measures to save the environment are mere tokenism. And conscious and effective actions are imperative now than ever before.
I highly recommend the book!
Essential Reads on the Natural & Environmental History of India #CauseAChatter #EnvironmentalTalks #BookChatter @blogchatter #BohoPonderings Share on X
Wild Himalaya: A Natural History of the Greatest Mountain Range on Earth
by Stephen Alter
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Roughly 2,500 kilometres in length and between 150 and 350 kilometres in breadth, rising to a maximum height of almost 9 kilometres above sea level. Traversing across five different countries – India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and China The majestic Himalayas holds a lot of secrets.
There are numerous books on the Himalayas but none quite as comprehensive as Wild Himalaya: A Natural History of the Greatest Mountain Range on Earth by Stephen Alter. Divided into eight sections, it explores the different aspects of the majestic mountain range. An in-depth study of origin, evolution, history, geology, geography, environment, flora, fauna, climate, human settlements, art, folklore, and mythology.
The mystery about the existence of Yeti finds a place in the book among the complex data of the origins and history. Peppered with local tales and myths, it is a delightful read. A definitive natural history of the greatest mountain range on earth.
Stay tuned as I would be sharing more recommendations on a range of topics under Enviromental Talks. What are your favorite books on natural and enviromental history? I would love to explore them. Do share in the comments below.
Essential Reads on the Natural & Environmental History of India #CauseAChatter @cindyanndsilva @nooranand #BlogaberryDazzle #BohoPonderings Share on X
This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla and sponsored by Bakez by Daizy.
Statistics source: Statista.com
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
Image by Image by antriksh kumar from Pixabay
August 27, 2021 @ 10:36 am
This book looks like an interesting read, I would like to read it.
August 28, 2021 @ 7:06 pm
Do pick them up 😊
August 28, 2021 @ 12:08 am
Indica by Pranay Lal looks really appealing. Bookmarking this.
We talk about global climate change and environmental measures but how many of us know the basics of our own country? I certainly did not know of any of the facts that you’ve mentioned.
Books on the environment are not attractively written (as you’ve said) and the last time we read about such topics was in our social studies/geography text books. I don’t think many people even know that such books are available.
Thank you for writing about such books — enjoying all your posts in this series!
August 28, 2021 @ 7:06 pm
Thank you so much Satabdi. 😊 You are absolutely correct. There are so many excellent books out there that people barely know about.
August 28, 2021 @ 9:57 am
The books you mention sound like a fascinating read, Ritu. The covers and titles are very attractive. I had no idea that we had an Indian dinosaur! Coral in the desert and Hippos in Kashmir, so interesting!
August 28, 2021 @ 5:48 pm
Rajasaurus?? For the first time I have heard about this species to be honest. The books you’ve talked about here sound very interesting. I’d like to give a shot Indica… by Pranay Lal first.
August 28, 2021 @ 7:00 pm
I hadn’t known about it either until I picked the book. Indica is an excellent read.
August 28, 2021 @ 7:03 pm
They indeed are, Mayuri 😊. Indica is a treat to read.
August 29, 2021 @ 2:24 pm
Being a born & bred Bangalorean i do not know the reason for its awesome climate. The book Indica is definitely not my usual genre but sounds interesting nevertheless.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:27 pm
So true, Vasumathi. So many things we are not aware of.
August 28, 2021 @ 1:09 pm
This book seems to be an interesting and quite an informative one…I would like to read it out soon.
August 28, 2021 @ 7:02 pm
Thanks Smita 😊
August 28, 2021 @ 5:46 pm
Environment is the topic which I never used to read. But your review compel me to read such kind of book.
August 28, 2021 @ 7:01 pm
I am so glad to know that. 😊 We need more books like these which don’t feel like text books.
August 29, 2021 @ 2:10 am
Never knew that Bengaluru weather has a specific reason behind it too. Makes me wonder why it rains so much here in Mumbai specifically! Would definitely give it a try.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:25 pm
Do pick it up Raghav
August 29, 2021 @ 10:01 am
India by Pranay Lal seems good, I hope to pick up the book soon. Thanks, your reviews are helping readers find good books:)
October 17, 2021 @ 4:25 pm
Thank you Aditi 😊
August 29, 2021 @ 10:48 am
Indica looks really interesting. I didn’t know a lot of things you have mentioned. I would love to read the book. Thanks for sharing about them.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:26 pm
Thank you 😊
August 29, 2021 @ 4:19 pm
This book will open the real beauty. Thank you for sharing your valuable review and letting us to know about this beautiful book.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:27 pm
My pleasure, Bhawna 😊
August 29, 2021 @ 5:16 pm
This post is about rarely talked books, but they are rich informative about India and its history. Nature and its evolution have a close link with humans and books like this can reveal a lot. Bookmarking these books.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:28 pm
Thank you, Mehul 😊. Do pick them up.
August 29, 2021 @ 6:50 pm
Wow…first time I heard of an Indian Dinosaur! And the name…Rajasaurus so typically Indian. My grandson knows a lot about Dinosaurs but not this. I will share with him that its more ferocious then Tyrannosaurus. This was a wonderful share, Ritu. My son would have loved to read these books but alas.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:29 pm
Hugs Harjeet. You and your family are always in our prayers
August 29, 2021 @ 10:09 pm
Both the books look very promising and engaging and at the same time informative. We need to know our natural history first and then only we can pass on this knowledge to our future generations. Your cause a chatter topic is extremely powerful. Loved it!
October 17, 2021 @ 4:29 pm
Thank you so much Shail 😊
August 29, 2021 @ 10:33 pm
Wow, loved this collection of books. Really enjoyed the review. I will start reading from tomorrow onwards.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:30 pm
Thank you, Pamela 😊. I am so glad to read that.
August 30, 2021 @ 12:39 am
The Indica sounds a very interesting read. I love your recommendations and I’m sure the wild Himalayas will also be a good one
October 17, 2021 @ 4:31 pm
Thank you so much, Sindhu 😊
August 30, 2021 @ 2:12 am
I liked all the facts you have mentioned here. Wild Himalaya was already in my cart, gonna buy it right away, along with Indica.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:31 pm
I am so glad to know that, Pooja 😊
August 30, 2021 @ 7:06 am
I think these two books are must read for everyone. I will sure read them. Waiting for more recommendations.
October 17, 2021 @ 4:32 pm
I will be sharing a few more this quarter too 😊
August 30, 2021 @ 11:04 am
I am bookmarking this post. Actually all the posts about the books on various topics are must save ones for the future reference
October 17, 2021 @ 4:32 pm
Thank you so much, Suhasini 😊
September 12, 2021 @ 11:22 pm
The sheer range of your reading interests amaze me Ritu. Both seem excellent recommendations. Thank you!
October 17, 2021 @ 4:33 pm
Thank you so much, Noor 😊. Means a lot coming from you.