Environmental Impact on Medieval Society of Arunachal Pradesh

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Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, boasts a rich and diverse environment that profoundly shaped the medieval societies that called it home. Dense forests, rugged terrain, and a unique climate dictated lifestyles, social structures, and cultural practices. This article delves into the intricate relationship between the environment and medieval societies in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on the use of forests and natural resources, and the adaptations developed to thrive in this challenging yet bountiful landscape.

Forests: The Lifeline of Medieval Society

Forests were central to the existence of medieval societies in Arunachal Pradesh. They provided sustenance, shelter, and spiritual significance.

Subsistence and Economy: Communities relied heavily on forests for food, medicine, and raw materials. Hunting and gathering were essential, supplemented by shifting cultivation (jhum), a practice where patches of forest were cleared for farming and then left fallow to regenerate. Forest products like timber, bamboo, cane, and resins were used for construction, tools, and trade.

Socio-Cultural Significance: Forests were deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the people. Many tribes considered forests to be the abode of spirits and deities, and rituals and ceremonies were often conducted within their depths. Certain trees and animals were considered sacred, and their use was regulated by customary laws.

Utilization of Natural Resources

The diverse geography of Arunachal Pradesh offered a range of natural resources that medieval societies skillfully utilized.

Water Resources: Rivers and streams were vital for drinking water, irrigation, and fishing. They also served as natural transportation routes, connecting different communities and facilitating trade.

Mineral Resources: Although mining was not extensively developed in the medieval period, communities utilized locally available minerals like stone for tools, construction, and salt for consumption and trade.

Land Resources: The fertile valleys and slopes were used for agriculture, while the higher altitudes provided grazing grounds for livestock.

Adaptations to Climatic and Geographic Conditions

The challenging terrain and varied climate of Arunachal Pradesh necessitated unique adaptations.

Housing and Settlements: Houses were traditionally built from locally available materials like bamboo, wood, and cane, reflecting the environment's influence. Villages were often situated on hilltops or slopes for defense and to maximize agricultural land.

Clothing and adornment: Clothing was often made from natural fibers like cotton and wool, and varied according to altitude and tribe. People adorned themselves with ornaments made from bone, feathers, beads, and locally sourced stones.

Social Structure: The environment played a role in shaping social structures. Many communities developed strong kinship ties and communal ownership of resources to ensure survival and cooperation in a challenging environment.

Environmental Impact of Medieval Practices

While medieval societies largely lived in harmony with nature, their practices did have some environmental impact.

Shifting Cultivation: Although sustainable in its traditional form, increased population pressure and shorter fallow periods could lead to deforestation and soil erosion.

Hunting and Fishing: Overhunting of certain species may have impacted local fauna. However, traditional hunting practices often included restrictions and taboos to ensure sustainable resource management.

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