The Relentless Tide of History

Historical analysis reveals that the Sundarbans, initially perceived as a hostile environment by colonial powers, transitioned into a structured conservation and forest administration system between 1862 and 1943. The study highlights how land leases for agriculture and timber extraction were formalized during this period, culminating in the designation of the entire area as a reserved forest. This transformation underscores the intersection of colonial governance and environmental management, providing insights into the early stages of conservation efforts in one of the world's most significant mangrove ecosystems.

Deb, N. (2025). The Relentless Tide of History. Niranjan Mondal’s A Tale of High and Low Tides, 131–147. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003626602-5