Ecological History and Historiography of Tista-Brahmaputra Valley (Early Medieval to Colonial Period)

This book examines the ecological history and historiography of the Tista-Brahmaputra Valley from the early medieval to the colonial periods. The valley and its surrounding regions constitute a rich ecological landscape, home to diverse flora and fauna, where human civilisation has flourished since time immemorial. Over the centuries, the region has witnessed significant socio-cultural and political transformations. Human interaction with the natural environment has profoundly shaped its ecology, and these changes are documented in a wide range of historical sources. Through a critical analysis of these records, the book explores the dynamic relationship between ecology and history in the Tista-Brahmaputra Valley. It offers valuable insights into the region's environmental past and contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary ecological concerns.

The study begins with the early medieval period, when the rule of the Varmans, the Pushyabhuti dynasty, the Cholas, the Chalukyas, and other contemporary powers marked a significant phase in Indian history. The political influence of Mid-India and North India, along with broader socio-political developments, shaped the emergence of a new historical phase during the reign of the Varman king Bhaskarvarman. The narrative concludes with the rule of the Koch dynasty and the British colonial administration. The period following India's independence is beyond the scope of this book, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country's history.