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In Speaking With Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism, historian Ramachandra Guha offers a profound exploration of environmental thought in India through the lives of ten individuals who, in their respective times, advocated for the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The book stands as a compelling narrative of how these thinkers’ ideas about nature, development, and sustainability shaped the environmental discourse in India, and how their legacies continue to resonate today.

The selection of figures presented in the book is both varied and unexpected. While one might assume that the key players in environmentalism would be tribal leaders, naturalists, or professional conservationists, Guha’s list includes a broad spectrum of thinkers—some widely recognized, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, and others who are lesser-known, like the Scottish botanist and town planner Patrick Geddes and the sociologist Radhakamal Mukherjee. This diversity of figures speaks to the breadth of environmentalism, showing that ecological thought in India was not confined to a specific community but was influenced by a range of intellectual and philosophical traditions.

One of the central themes of the book is the intersection of environmentalism with broader social, political, and cultural ideas. Guha critiques what he calls "full-stomach environmentalism"—the Western belief that environmental awareness can only emerge from prosperity—and positions the thinkers he profiles as examples of how environmental consciousness in India was deeply tied to social thought, economic justice, and political philosophy. These individuals did not view nature in isolation; instead, they connected environmental concerns with issues such as rural development, social equity, and the spiritual and cultural life of the nation.

The book’s exploration of Rabindranath Tagore’s engagement with nature at Santiniketan is particularly poignant. Tagore, known for his deep connection to the natural world, used his educational experiment at Santiniketan to challenge the conventional views of nature as something to be controlled or tamed. His vision was one where humans and nature coexisted in a dynamic and mutually enriching relationship, an idea that was radical for its time but remains relevant today in the context of the growing environmental crisis.

Another intriguing figure is Patrick Geddes, a Scottish urban planner and botanist who spent time in India in the early 20th century. Guha highlights Geddes’ efforts to reimagine the city of Indore, then a princely state under Holkar rule, as a model of sustainable urban development. Geddes believed in dissolving the dichotomies between urban and rural spaces, proposing a vision for Indore where nature and urban life could exist in harmony. His ideas, which included green spaces, nature reserves, and the inclusion of women in silk production as part of a sustainable economy, represent an early blueprint for a more holistic approach to urban planning.

The inclusion of figures such as the naturalist M. Krishnan and anthropologist Verrier Elwin further enriches the narrative. Krishnan’s deep affection for India’s wildlife and his advocacy for the preservation of animals and forests is presented alongside Elwin’s exploration of the Gonds’ traditional knowledge of nature. For Krishnan, environmental conservation was not just a political or economic issue; it was an ethical and cultural imperative, rooted in respect for the natural world. Elwin, similarly, offered a unique perspective by understanding nature through the indigenous lens, recognizing the deep spiritual and cultural connections that tribes had with their environment.

Mira Behn, a key follower of Gandhi and one of the few women featured in the book, adds another layer to Guha’s exploration of environmentalism. Her writings, which deal with the environmental degradation of the Himalayas and the intrusion of non-native species such as pine trees, are not just historical reflections but resonate with current environmental struggles in the region. Her work also sheds light on the shortcomings of the Indian Forest Department, drawing attention to the mismanagement and lack of foresight that often plagues environmental policy.

One of the most striking features of Speaking With Nature is how Guha ties these thinkers’ ideas to contemporary environmental issues. While the figures he profiles lived in a different time, many of their concerns—whether it was the preservation of native species, the development of sustainable cities, or the need for an equitable approach to nature—are strikingly relevant to today’s climate crisis. Guha’s work serves as a reminder that environmental issues are not new but have been part of India’s intellectual and political life for over a century.

The book is not just a tribute to these thinkers but also a call to action. Guha’s framing of environmentalism as a multifaceted, interdisciplinary issue underscores the urgency of a more integrated approach to development—one that does not see environmental conservation as a luxury but as a necessary part of any just and sustainable future. His critique of India’s development model, which has often prioritized industrial growth over ecological balance, is sharp, suggesting that the country’s future may well depend on revisiting the ideas of these early environmental thinkers.

Guha’s writing is a masterclass in historical storytelling, weaving together rich biographical sketches with deep philosophical inquiry. He doesn’t simply recount the lives of these individuals; he places them in the context of their time, showing how their ideas interacted with larger political and social movements. The book is thus not just an academic exploration of environmentalism but also a deeply reflective work that asks important questions about the relationship between humans and nature.

In conclusion, Speaking With Nature is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of environmental thought in India. It offers a fresh perspective on the development of ecological ideas and demonstrates how these ideas are inseparable from India’s broader intellectual and social history. Guha’s ability to connect the past with the present, and his skill in drawing out the relevance of these early environmental thinkers to today’s challenges, makes this a timely and thought-provoking work. For readers interested in environmentalism, history, and the complex interplay between nature and society, Speaking With Nature is a significant contribution to the field.