The Need To Decolonize Public Landscapes In India

By Author: Chaitanya kumari
Total Articles: 278
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The public landscapes in India, such as parks, roadsides, and urban avenues, are not simply functional and aesthetic spaces; they have been shaped by many years of history. Many of the trees found in the Indian subcontinent to beautify landscapes during British colonial times can be traced back to their roots, when many rulers and administrators brought in foreign plants to transform Indian cities according to European aesthetic and administrative preferences.

Some of the species planted extensively were Delonix regia (Gulmohar), Peltophorum pterocarpum (Copperpod), and Eucalyptus globulus. The goal was to create visually appealing urban environments and ornamental spaces. Even though such changes were made to beautify cities and offer a sense of familiarity to colonial officials, they eventually led to the slow displacement of the native plant species that comprised the core of India's ecological and cultural frameworks.

Many of these British-era plants continue to dominate landscapes and public spaces in India. These trees have persisted even after more than 70 years of independence. Municipal landscaping practices ...
... frequently replicate the inherited preferences without actually critically examining their historical origins and ecological suitability. This trend carries forward the old trend of coloniality, which includes the institutional habits and mindsets of the colonial era even after colonial rule has formally ended. With the passage of time, they become longstanding reminders of historical impact. Parks and landscapes of the public places function more than just as green space within such a historical context. Moreover, they also pointed out cultural patterns formed by colonial goals.

Long before the British rulers took their initial steps in India, Classical Ayurvedic texts like Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya note hundreds of diverse plant varieties, their environmental roles, and medicinal properties. For instance, trees like Neem and Bael played a pivotal role in sacramental practices and everyday life. They were not simply important environmentally. This is why it is now significant to resuscitate this ancient knowledge so that Indian landscapes can be once again transformed with native plants. The other thing that is ignored in this practice is the rich botanical knowledge that has been such an integral part of India’s heritage. Indian systems of knowledge had already established a sophisticated understanding of plant life and herbs and their distinct connection to food habits, health, spirituality, and ecology.

When it comes to these exotic plants, one of the most perturbing concerns is their ecological sustainability. Numerous extensively planted colonial species were not originally native to our country and therefore are not compatible with the subcontinent’s climatic conditions. Thus, they are not able to properly support local biodiversity. For example, species like Eucalyptus globulus are notorious for their limited interaction with the native wildlife and even for their high water consumption. On the contrary, some of the local plant species like Ficus benghalensis (Banyan), Azadirachta indica (Neem), and Ficus religiosa (Peepal) seem favourable for the environment as these can easily regulate microclimates while providing dense shade. Moreover, they can resolutely back different insect and bird populations. When ornamental exotic species are prioritized over these native plants, we are at risk of compromising their ecological resilience, potential, and managing urban landscapes poorly.

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