Entangled Lives: Human-Animal-Plant Histories of the Eastern Himalayan Triangle

This book explores how we can rethink human histories by including animals and plants, overcome nationally territorialized narratives, and balance academic history-writing and indigenous understandings of history. It focuses on the Eastern Himalayan Triangle, which is a multispecies site where human and plant and animal histories are intertwined, and highlights that history is co-created but locally specific.

Format: Hardback
Length: 315 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book delves into three profound inquiries about our understanding of the past. It explores innovative ways to reimagine human histories by incorporating the perspectives of animals and plants, challenging the boundaries of nationally territorialized narratives, and finding a harmonious balance between academic history-writing and indigenous understandings of history. This exploration marks a tentative foray into the intricate connections between these questions, offering a fresh and insightful perspective.

Entangled Lives takes us on a journey to explore these interconnected themes within a vast and previously overlooked region. The Eastern Himalayan Triangle, encompassing both uplands and lowlands, serves as a captivating meeting point of three global biodiversity hotspots. This triangular region connects India and China across Myanmar/Burma, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, creating a rich tapestry of interspecies history.

The book emphasizes that history is not merely a human narrative, but a co-created tapestry that intertwines the lives of plants, animals, and humans. It recognizes that the Triangle is a multispecies site, where human histories have always been intricately entwined with the histories of plants and animals. This perspective underscores the importance of recognizing that history is not a one-dimensional tale, but a complex and multifaceted narrative that reflects the unique experiences and interactions of different species within a particular region.

One of the key insights of Entangled Lives is that history is not a static entity, but a dynamic and evolving process shaped by the interactions between different species and cultures. It challenges the notion of a linear and unidirectional progression of time, highlighting the interconnectedness and interdependence of different societies and ecosystems. The book emphasizes that history is not just about the past, but also about the present and the future, as the legacies of our actions and interactions continue to shape the world we live in today.

Furthermore, Entangled Lives challenges the boundaries of nationally territorialized narratives. It recognizes that history is not limited to a particular nation or culture, but is a global phenomenon that transcends national borders. The book encourages us to look beyond the confines of our own nation and explore the broader interconnectedness of human societies and the natural world. It highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences of different cultures and communities, as they contribute to our collective understanding of history.

In order to achieve a harmonious balance between academic history-writing and indigenous understandings of history, Entangled Lives proposes a multifaceted approach. It advocates for a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach that involves scholars, researchers, and indigenous communities working together to uncover and understand the rich tapestry of human-plant-animal histories. The book encourages a respectful and inclusive approach that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of indigenous communities, while also incorporating academic insights and methodologies.

Overall, Entangled Lives is a groundbreaking book that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on our understanding of the past. It challenges our preconceptions and encourages us to reimagine our relationship with the natural world and the diverse communities that have shaped our history. By exploring the connections between human histories, plant and animal histories, and nationally territorialized narratives, the book provides a valuable contribution to the field of history and offers a roadmap for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Weight: 610g
ISBN-13: 9781009215473