International Social Science Journal (Chinese Edition)

No.4, 2023

 

Issues and Debates: An Introduction to EHSA

(Abstract)

 

Rohan D’Souza

 

Since the publication of Ramachandra Guha’s monograph The Unquiet Woods in 1989, Environmental History of South Asia (EHSA) has been elaborated as an independent field. Nowadays, EHSA has developed into a vibrant research field, with emerging academic works and publications. Many universities and research institutions have also established research projects and courses on EHSA. Overall, scientific forestry, colonial hydrology, and carnivore control constitute the three main themes of writing and debate in the field. This article reviews some important controversies related to the aforementioned themes in EHSA, showcases representative monographs and articles, and explore how new issues such as global warming, climate change, and the study of the anthropocene have influenced academic thinking on EHSA.