An abundantly illustrated journey through one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating regions.
The authors take the readers on a journey through time and space, bringing out amazing nuggets from the histories of these places, which remain largely untold. In a region that boasts of three UNESCO world heritage sites, there is no dearth of opportunity to take brilliant pictures. The wildlife side of the region comes alive as the camera move from snow-clad dwellings of the yak and snow leopard to the tigers and rhinos of the plains. Myriad butterflies and birds of brilliant plumage flit through the pages, bringing out gasps of “wow” and “ooh” from the reader.
The authors have done their research well, whether they discuss the history or the demographies. One realizes how easily India could have lost this land since the British were thinking of handing over Assam as part of East Pakistan, and how some intense diplomacy by Gopinath Bordoloi helped India retain it. Unfortunately, having got it as part of India, the Centre has ignored development in this northeastern region for decades. This book is an appreciation of what we have.
Although India’s northeastern administrative region makes up only eight percent of India’s land area, it is home to some 140 indigenous tribes, each with its own unique culture. The terrain, predominantly hilly, ranges from snow-capped peaks to tropical rainforests.