Himalayan Studies in India

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The book introduces the readers to a plethora of subjects that are being dealt with by Indian scholars specializing in Himalayan Studies in the twenty first century The discourses contained in this book pertain to social-scientific investigation on the Himalayas in recent years. Various experts from the disciplines of History, Geography, Political Science, Economics and Sociology have contributed on a variety of thought-provoking issues ranging from geo-politics and security aspects, insurgency issues, globalization and related phenomena, environmental resources and problems associated with the distribution of resources, and culture in respect of language, religion and gender studies. The topics chosen for this edited book are mostly related to the Eastern Himalayas, so that the dearth of information on this part of the Himalayas can be lessened.

MAITREYEE CHOUDHURY (b. 1959) teaches at the Centre for Himalayan Studies, North Bengal University. She studied Geography at the University of Calcutta and was awarded doctoral fellowship by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). She served as the Head of the Department of Geography, Sikkim Government College, Gangtok, for seven years. Later she joined the Centre for Himalayan Studies as a Reader (1996) and had been the Director of the Centre for three years. She had been the Principal Investigator of a major Research Project on Sikkim sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and has Forests, Government of India, and several minor projects on the Eastern Himalayas. Dr. Choudhury is working and writing on the Himalayas for over two decades and has authored numerous research papers, articles, project reports and edited a journal and an anthology on Himalayan Studies.

The Himalayas, by sheer location in the heart of Asia, draw attention of the world and demand close scrutiny by its countries, It is more so in the 21st century when the world has become a global village and geo-political climate changes most unpredictably. The geo-strategic location of the Himalayas and its importance as a natural defender has, nevertheless, remained unchanged and the same cannot be minimized in the era of remote sensing and information highways.

The nations and states located on either side of the Himalayas share a common legacy. For them, 'Himalaya' is a storehouse of natural wealth, a repository of energy resources, a home for millions and a symbol of security.

The Himalayas never cease to attract mankind, or for that matter. to provide for their sustenance. The abode of snow is the greatest water tower in the world. The rivers originating from as well as cutting across this great mountain have fostered human civilization for several millennia. The forest wealth of the Himalayas is unparalleled in richness and diversity. The eco-systems maintained in every segment of the mountain are prized. The valleys and meadows provide shelter to animal and man alike and keep options open for their survival. The economic challenges for its inhabitants are many. The traditional societies that made the mountains their habitat have evolved distinctive economies and developed unique cultures. The formidable mountain chain that has defended the sub-continent for centuries symbolizes security. The quest is, whether the sense of security in economic, social and political spheres still prevails.

Keeping the above pursuit in mind, the Centre for Himalayan Studies, North Bengal University, organized a National Seminar on the occasion of silver jubilee of the Centre in December 2003. The objective of the seminar was to have a critical overview of the different facets of the Himalayas and to evaluate the relevance of 'Himalayan Studies in 21st century.

**Contents and Sample Pages**