Ideas of Nature and the Construction of Himalaya

Abstract

This paper critically examines the conceptualization of 'nature' and its implications for understanding the Himalaya, challenging traditional dichotomies between nature and society. Drawing upon the 'social nature' perspective, it interrogates how nature is socially constructed, emphasizing the role of power, discourse, and historical context in shaping environmental narratives. The study explores colonial interventions in the Himalaya, such as scientific forestry and the establishment of hill stations, illustrating how these practices redefined natural landscapes and disrupted indigenous relationships with the environment. Through the lens of political ecology and Actor-Network Theory, the paper advocates for a non-dualistic approach that recognizes the entangled agency of both human and non-human actors. By situating the Himalaya within these theoretical frameworks, the research offers a nuanced understanding of its socio-environmental dynamics, contributing to broader debates on nature, culture, and power Sources.