Anthropogenic Inundation and Submerged Cultural Landscapes: An Ethnographic Study of Heritage – Ecology Interactions at Palasdeo, Bhima Basin, Maharashtra, India

Tishyarakshita Nagarkar

Touted once as the “temples of modern India”, river dams have caused the incalculable loss of ecology and destruction of invaluable heritage ranging from shrines of local communities to world heritage monuments. Construction of large dams has also led to the sediment detention causing loss of the river delta, flood plains and eventually leading to the spatial variability of sea level rise due to water impoundment. disruption in the natural cycle of the rivers turns it into an inundate habitat making it difficult for native species to survive. Looking through the prism of geomorphology, archaeo-ecology and ethnography in purview of the hazards large river dams create for the culture, community and the climate; this paper investigates through the possibilities of salvaging and reconstruction of an ancient temple complex submerged in the water of Ujani dam as a key site of impact. It also examines geomorphological landscape changes from ancient time to the present day. The study site is located in the valley of Bhima, a river that flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana. Central to Maharashtra’s spiritual fable and fabric, the region is known for its geological and archaeological wealth ranging from the stone age to the Maratha period as well as its biodiversity and the ecological riches. Build around the premise of first hand field data, scientific reports, ancient and regional accounts and archaeological-geographical analysis to preserve the submerged site, this paper aims to demonstrate ramification of dams on heritage, local communities and disastrous landscape variations, besides suggesting the necessary and sustainable preventives to preserve the relics of the past for future before it turns into an elusive and painful memory of a lost heritage.