Description
For the diverse peoples of the Himalayas, this majestic mountain range is a providential water tower and a “Sacred Land”—the ultimate “Abode of Snow” where pure water springs, rivers gush, and lakes shine crystal-clear. Born from eternal snows in one of the most mystical lands on earth, water perfectly embodies the essence of purity. Yet, in the Himalayas, water inspires both reverence and fear. It can unite or divide communities, provide life or bring destruction. Across this mosaic of ethnicities, languages, and religions, water plays a vital role in shaping social organization, cultural identity, and human geography.
This volume offers a comprehensive view of the great Himalayan mountain range by following an itinerary along its waters, contrasting the two flanks of this formidable climatic barrier. In doing so, it highlights both the critical importance of Asia’s water tower—which sustains a thousand million people—and the magnitude of contemporary economic and ecological challenges. It also provides deep anthropological insight into the intimate bonds forged between humanity and water in the high Himalayas.
About the Authors & Contributors:
Serge Verliat: Professor of geography in Réunion Island, France, and author of Himalayan research since 1980. He holds a PhD in geography, a post-graduate diploma in anthropology, is fluent in Nepali, and has directed documentaries like Living in the Himalayas (2004).
Jean Philippe: Renowned photographer whose black-and-white silver prints have been exhibited at the Museum of Man in Paris.
Dr. David Jones & Sarah Patel Jones: Scholars and translators who contributed English translation and editing for the volume.
Water Treasures of the Himalayas
By Serge Verliat and Jean Philippe
Book Specifications:
Publisher: Mapin Publishing
Pages: 216
Illustrations: 215 illustrations
Dimensions: 11 x 11″ (280 x 280 mm), Hardcover (hc)
ISBN: 9788189995898
Price: ₹2,950
Date of Publishing: 2017
Language: English
