The Rivers Come: Colonial Flood Control and Knowledge Systems in the Indus Basin, 1840s-1930s. (1st February 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weil, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: Environment and history. Volume 12:Number 1(2006:Jan.)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2006-02-01
• Subjects: Indus River -- floods -- British Empire -- engineers -- generalists -- precaution; Human ecology -- History -- Periodicals; Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- Periodicals; Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- Periodicals; 304.209
• DOI: 10.3197/096734006776026818
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-3407

Abstract

Abstract : This essay traces the development of the physical and cultural infrastructure of colonial flood control in the Indus valley. Reconstructing investigations into the causes of a series of floods illustrates the conflict between the idiosyncratic, local knowledge-based, approach of generalists and the reductionist, technological mentality of engineers. Repeated attempts to protect towns from the Indus River illustrate the growing dominance during the second half of the nineteenth century of an engineering mentality, despite its practical shortcomings. Complex engineering works replaced traditional warning systems and mobility, undermining alluvial farming systems as well as a precautionary approach to environmental management.