Narmada Basin Land and People (An Anthropological Pilot Study of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat)

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Along the stretch of 1300kms, the Narmada river is known as the largest river in peninsular India involving three major states,viz., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujrat, The Narmada Valley presents a variety of physiographic segments with a rich treasure of flora and fauna. It is also believed that man lived in this valley since the begining of human evolution.This exploratory study presents some palaeo-anthropological materials from the deposits around this river valley along with some contemporary ethnographic museum specimens. The study also highlights on the cultural-ecological aspects of human habitation as well as possibilities of meaningful rehabilitation of the displaced persons to the affected by the construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Sri D.Tyagi presently the Joint Director of the Survey (B.1.1.1943) has specialized in Physical Anthropology obtaining his Master's Degree in Anthropology from Lucknow University in 1965. He has to his credit more than 100 papers published in various professional journals in this country and abroad. He is associated in various capacities with a number of professional academic bodies being the Co-editor of the Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India.

Since time immemorial man thought it wise to impound the running water to rivers and utilise it for various purposes. The very idea of damming a river as a strategy shows prudence in which the overflowing water is stored and utilised. This is more true in the Peninsular India where rivers unlike the Himalayan rivers, are not perennial. Whenever and wherever big reservoirs are constructed a number of people and their settlements are displaced. Consequently their life style, culture. society, economy and psychology tend to change. Vast tracts of forests and agricultural lands are submerged and lost for ever. The rising water level gradually engulfs many human imprints on the cultural landscape. A sea change is ushered in the command area as well. However, the plight of displaced people remains uncomprehended. The Anthropological Survey of India took up this challenge to salvage the natural and cultural heritage and comprehend problems and prospects of the displaced persons. This is in line with the Survey's policy resolution - To take steps to salvage and preserve cultural artefacts faced with the threat of extinction.

The Survey launched a pioneering project entitled 'Anthropological Salvage Plan for Narmada Valley as the area has great significance in palaco-anthropology. environment and mythology besides others. A multi-disciplinary team of dedicated scientists belonging to Physical Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology. Geography (Human Ecology) and Museum participated in this venture. Shri Deepak Tyagi, Joint Director was entrusted to coordinate this project. All deserve appreciation and thanks. The book is aptly dedicated to the People of the Narmada Valley, which shows the concern of the Survey for the development of the People there and their environment and culture. Hope this book will help in understanding the various complex facts related to such megaproject in particular, and man and environment inter-relationship in general. The very name Narmada Valley evokes strong sentiments and emotions that often obscure the objectivity that is necessary. It is diffcult to take a stand either for the project or against it. problem further compounded by the lack of objective studies and a plethora of unidirectional activism. The Anthropological Survey of India strongly felt the need of objective studies and this is its first step. Indeed it gives me a great sense of satisfaction that a book on one of the most discussed topic of the recent times is being published by the Anthropological Survey of India.

Man and environment are the two sides of the same coin and the study of their interrelationship is fascinating and worth attempting. "Since the very beginning, the interaction between man and environment has been Homo sapiens' most endeavouring practical concern and it may have formed one of his earliest excercises" (Tyagi 1993:9). Man not only tries to adapt to the ecosystem in which he lives, but moulds the environment to suit his needs. "Man as a 'cultural' animal has, with the use of technology, manipulated the environment in order to satisfy his desire and needs" (Singh & Tiwari 1980: xii) and thereby always tried/trying for development. But at what cost and on whose cost. In recent years there is an accelerated pace of economic development in the country and a large number of development projects have been taken up. "The acceleration of the tempo of development has resulted, among other things, in the establishment of industrial plants, construction of major irrigation projects. (Muthayya & Mathur 1975: 1). The expanding population and even more rapidly expanding industrialisation compelled for better planned development, especially in the field of water resources, to meet human needs. The "water resources development, so essential for economic progress, is not an unmixed blessing. Apart from giving several benefits, it may also induce adverse impacts on the resource base, i.e. the environment" (Sinha 1994: 1).

**Contents and Sample Pages**