A recent study published in the British Ecological Society journal People and Nature has shed new light on the ecological history of India’s landscapes. By analyzing centuries-old Marathi and Sanskrit literature, researchers have discovered that tropical savannas and grasslands in India are not degraded or deforested remnants, but rather ancient, stable, and culturally significant ecosystems. The study was inspired by the overlap of work between plant scientist Ashish Nerlekar and archaeologist Digvijay Patil, who found that old texts mentioned unusual plants that thrive in savannas.
The team studied folk songs, myths, and poems dating back to the 13th century, identifying references to wild plants and their potential habitats. They found references to 44 species of wild plants, with nearly two-thirds associated with savanna ecosystems. For example, a 16th-century account describes a grassy savanna in the Nira River valley, while a 15th-century story mentions a sun-loving tree species characteristic of savannas. These references paint a picture of a landscape dominated by grasslands and savannas at least 750 years ago, long before British-era deforestation.
The study challenges the idea that these landscapes were once dense forests and highlights the importance of recognizing the antiquity of these ecosystems. India’s savannas support over 200 endemic plant species, many of which are threatened by land-use change. The researchers warn that climate mitigation efforts, such as tree planting, could unintentionally cause harm if carried out in places where no forest existed historically.
The study’s findings have significant implications for conservation and climate efforts. By recognizing the cultural and ecological significance of savannas, researchers can work to protect these ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. As Nerlekar noted, “These centuries-old stories provide us a rare glimpse into the past, and that the past was a savanna past, not a forested past.” The study highlights the importance of considering the historical context of landscapes when developing conservation and climate strategies, and demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary research that combines scientific and cultural perspectives.
The researchers’ work also underscores the need to rethink conservation efforts in India, where savannas have long been dismissed as “wastelands” and targeted for tree-planting campaigns. By recognizing the importance of savannas, conservationists can work to protect these ecosystems and the livelihoods of the people who depend on them. Ultimately, the study demonstrates the power of combining scientific and cultural knowledge to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and to develop more effective conservation strategies.