IgnouCorner

Introduction Ecological imperialism refers to the environmental impact of colonial expansion, where European powers introduced new species, agricultural systems, and ecological changes to colonized regions. This concept was popularized by historian Alfred W. Crosby in his 1986 book “Ecological Imperialism: The Biological Expansion of Europe, 900-1900.” The theory suggests that European dominance over other parts […]

(i) Sacred Groves Introduction Sacred groves are forest patches conserved by local communities due to religious, cultural, and ecological importance. These groves are often dedicated to deities, ancestors, or spirits, ensuring natural preservation without human interference. Found across India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, they serve as biodiversity hotspots and traditional conservation sites. A. Significance of

Introduction Forests have been an integral part of India’s natural and cultural landscape, playing a vital role in sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and shaping religious and economic activities. In precolonial India, forests were diverse, extensive, and governed by local communities, who used them for sustenance, trade, and spiritual practices. However, deforestation in precolonial India was

Introduction Grasslands are vast ecosystems dominated by grasses rather than large trees and have played a crucial role in human civilization, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. These ecosystems are found across the world, including prairies in North America, steppes in Eurasia, pampas in South America, and savannas in Africa and India. The history of grasslands is

Introduction The monsoon is one of the most significant climatic phenomena affecting the Indian subcontinent. It plays a crucial role in shaping the region’s agriculture, economy, biodiversity, and cultural traditions. The monsoon is a seasonal wind system that brings heavy rainfall during the summer months (June-September) and influences temperature, water availability, and crop production. The

Introduction Environmental history is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationship between humans and the natural world over time. Unlike traditional history, which focuses on political events and human achievements, environmental history incorporates scientific, social, and ecological perspectives to study how human actions have shaped the environment and how natural changes have influenced societies. The

Socio-Religious and Intellectual Ferment Leading to the Rise of Buddhism and Jainism The emergence of Buddhism and Jainism in the 6th century BCE was a result of significant socio-religious and intellectual transformations in ancient India. This period witnessed major changes in economic structures, political developments, and religious beliefs, leading to widespread dissatisfaction with existing traditions,