Colonialism and Wildlife: An Environmental History of Modern India

This book explores the history of the commercialization of wildlife in India during the colonial era, focusing on how hunting and game sports were used to promote commodity capitalism and bring wildlife under state control. It is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in various fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate history of the commercialization of wildlife in India, shedding light on the colonial strategies employed to commodify wildlife resources for lucrative domestic and international trade during the early nineteenth to mid-twentieth century. The author meticulously examines how and why the colonial administration placed significant emphasis on hunting and game sports, which played a pivotal role in the emergence of commodity capitalism, particularly in the form of taxidermy and wildlife exports. Furthermore, the author critically analyzes the wildlife laws and regulations promulgated by the colonial administration, such as the Elephant Protection Act, Birds and Fisheries Act, Forest Acts, and others. Through a comprehensive examination of these laws and regulations, the author reveals how they have systematically brought wildlife under state control, driven by a commercial motive.

This book makes a significant contribution to the field of environmental history in India, serving as an invaluable interdisciplinary resource for scholars and researchers interested in history, colonialism, wildlife studies, economic history, ecological studies, environmental history, Indian history, South Asian studies, and development studies. By exploring the complex interplay between colonialism, wildlife exploitation, and state control, this book offers valuable insights into the historical and ecological implications of such practices. It provides a rich context for understanding the complex relationship between humans, nature, and the economic forces that shape our world.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the historical roots of wildlife commercialization in India and its profound impact on the country's environment and society. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the colonial strategies, wildlife laws, and regulations that shaped the trajectory of wildlife conservation in India, and provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between colonialism, wildlife exploitation, and state control.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032513829