The volume explores the intricate relationship between urbanization, population dynamics, and the environment in the western Himalayas from a historical perspective. It challenges the conventional link that urban development is solely tied to population growth, unveiling the influence of political and economic elites. Through empirical analysis within a historical context, the study unveils the significance of cantonment towns, military consolidation, and legislative control in driving urban growth. While it leads to population surges, economic activities, and improvements in transportation and communication, it also exposes adverse effects like the overuse of forest resources, disrupting the balance between humans and nature, and leading to ecological imbalances and fatalities. This volume opens new avenues for research on rivers, biodiversity, geopolitics, socio-cultural aspects, and the economy but also offers valuable insights for national and international academia.

Autorentext

Satish Kumar Sharma is a former Professor of Sociology and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. He has held significant positions like Director of the Population Research Centre, Director of the Institute of Tribal Studies, and Director of the Canadian Studies Development Programme. He has taught at M.S. University, Baroda, and Panjab University, Chandigarh. He also served as a Social Scientist with the WHO Collaborating Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh. He has been a Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, a Shastri Indo-Canadian Fellow at the University of Toronto (Canada), and a Visiting Professor and scholar in universities in India and abroad. He has authored, edited, and co-edited 12 books and contributed chapters and articles in books and journals.

Suman Lata Pathak is a former Associate Professor of Sociology at Dev Samaj College for Women, Chandigarh. She worked on the East Africa Diaspora, specifically referring to Returned Indian Sikh immigrants in Chandigarh, and has published papers in reputed journals and books.