River Life and the Upspring of Nature

Naveeda Khan explores the relationship between nature and culture in River Life and the Upspring of Nature, arguing that nature is not just the physical landscape but also exists within social and cognitive forms of life. She shows how the alluvial flood plains configure chaura life, demonstrating how nature can give rise to and inhabit social, political, and spiritual forms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

Naveeda Khan delves into the intricate interplay between nature and culture by examining the daily lives of the chauras, a community residing on the chars (sandbars) along the Jamuna River in Bangladesh. Within this dynamic existence, nature assumes a central role, as the chauras lead a nomadic and fluid lifestyle in sync with the ever-changing currents of the river. The very essence of their quality of life is intricately linked to the fluidity and unpredictability of the land, where territories shift and vanish over time.

Khan argues that we must broaden our perspective of nature to encompass not only the physical landscape and the organisms inhabiting it but also the intangible aspects of social and cognitive existence. This includes the unconscious, intuition, memory, embodiment, and symbolization. By highlighting how the alluvial flood plains shape the chaura way of life, Khan demonstrates how nature not only gives rise to but also inhabits various social, political, and spiritual forms of existence.

Through her research, Khan sheds light on the complex dance between humans and their natural environment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing nature as an integral part of our social and cognitive fabric. She challenges us to reevaluate our relationship with nature and to embrace a more holistic and sustainable approach to living in harmony with the Earth.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478019398