The Kumaon landscape

KUMAON, JEWEL OF THE HIMALAYAS: S. Ramesh and Brinda Ramesh; Published by UBS Publishers and Distributors Ltd., 5, Ansari Road, New Delhi--110002. Rs.275.

WHICH PART of the Himalayas is not beautiful and fascinating? The authors have chosen the Kumaon region for their particular attention and study, their residence in Ranikhet giving them an intimate feel of the whole region. The very fact that the Himalayas -- Western, Central and Eastern -- are forbidding contributes to the ethereal attraction. The book's objective is to give in broad outline the history, economy, ecology, culture and life-style of the inhabitants of the region.

Speaking about the development efforts, they warn that harnessing technology to ensure increased income to the population results in depletion of the forest cover leading in course of time to soil erosion with its attendant damage to land use. The fragile mountain region therefore calls for a strategy striking a balance between providing sustainable livelihood for the population and at the same time maintaining the ecological balance. The book deals with the situation as it is and in what direction development has to proceed.

As regards people's religious faith and rituals, localised gods and spirits still have a stronghold on their religious beliefs, though the predominant religion is Hinduism. Many legends are woven round Shakti, Mother Goddess, though the predominant deity in the Himalayan region is Shiva, with His abode in Kailas. Many folk gods too have their devotees.

The Himalayan region is also prone to earthquakes. Tectonic faults, as geologists refer, hold the threat of earthquakes. Of immediate concern are the landslides caused by topsoil erosion, brought about by systematic deforestation. In this context, the authors remark that ``it is clear to anyone familiar with Kumaon area that the construction of new buildings does not usually take into consideration environment-related concerns''. A broad picture of springs, glaciers, biodiversity, forests and forestry and general destruction of the Himalayan eco-system is given. Besides these human problems of the region, the book also deals with the fauna and flora with attractive pictures. The reputed Corbett National Park gets particular mention with the comment that ``though plagued by poachers, it still provides a very good cross-section of the animals that roamed unhindered all over the Terai region.''

The distinguishing characteristic of any particular region is determined by the sociological aspects of the people of the area. The authors point out that social movements emanating from the plains move slowly up the hills. ``Brahmin and Thakur villages are still separate. The upper castes do not work with their hands but hire labour to do manual work. Hill women are probably the hardest worked anywhere. Many men work in the plains and send their earnings home which is termed as the money order economy of the region." Kumaon has sent many sons of the soil to serve in the defence forces.

The book also provides relevant information on Kumaon art -- early examples of rock painting -- music and dance like Bhado, Cholia and Kyurki. Though old customs are gradually dying out, group singing and dancing on festive occasions still persist. Like every other part of the Himalayas, the tourist potential of the region is also discussed. On the whole a very interesting book with eye-catching photographs of picturesque mountain ranges, forests, birds, flowers and profiles of unsophisticated people.

SVK

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