By Reena Singh
The Cobra’s Gaze by Stephen Alter delves into the heart of India’s wilderness, presenting a tapestry of its rich biodiversity. With his unique blend of storytelling, Alter brings to life the intricate connections between humans and the natural world, challenging readers to consider the deeper implications of our interactions with wildlife. He begins the book by narrating an encounter with a goral, which is a testament to the complex and often unspoken bond we share with nature.
Alter reflects on his fascination with wildlife, which was supplemented by books his parents gave him to read, and how living in the company of wild creatures made him appreciate the shared existence of humans and other species. The book is as much a travel memoir as it is testament to the country’s ecological diversity. Contrary to what the title suggests, Alter’s narrative covers a wide range of fauna, including tigers of Dudhwa and Bandhavgarh, elephants of Assam, blackbucks, sambars, forest skimmers, Asian openbill, citrine wagtail, civets and dancing frogs, to name a few.
He also discusses issues like the cheetah translocation project in Kuno Palpur, emphasising the need for comprehensive landscape rehabilitation and restoration to create a safe haven for indigenous flora and fauna. In an age where the wilderness is increasingly encroached upon by civilisation, Alter’s book stands as a beacon of hope. It encourages us to rekindle our innate connection with nature and to act as stewards of the habitats we share.
To gain a deeper understanding of the diverse sacred groves scattered across India, Alter embarks on a journey to explore several regions where they are located and discovers that while each grove has its distinct ecological features, symbols and story, there exists an ethereal bond that unites them all. Alter discusses the contrasting perceptions of wildlife—those residing within the forest are revered and accepted, whereas those wandering beyond are met with fear and loathing. He illustrates this with a tracker’s sentiment from Ulley, “One feels sadness and regret, but the wolves and snow leopards must eat to survive.” He also explores the kinship and conflict in Kumaon and the struggles for survival over crops being ruined by wildlife in the agrarian community. He feels that the stories we share of these species are intertwined with our own, reflecting our quest to rediscover aspects of humanity within these animals, that have been obscured by civilisation.
From Bhimbetka prehistoric rock art to Agumbe’s king cobras, Alter rightfully emphasises that we have a moral responsibility to preserve and protect the natural world in all its abundance and diversity. His observations are meticulous, capturing the essence of the wild inhabitants with a naturalist’s eye and a poet’s heart. He also narrates the ritual of invoking the Naga Devatha, suggesting that the oracle articulates our fears and fascination towards wild creatures, guiding us past the boundaries of reason, into the domain of myths and metaphors.
The musings on wilderness serve as a reminder of its intrinsic value, beyond the utilitarian perspective that often governs our interaction with the environment. His reflections on wilderness and habitat are not just opinions, but a clarion call for conservation and coexistence. Books like Alter’s play a crucial role in shaping our understanding and relationship with the wild. Nature, in its untamed glory, should not be just a backdrop of our existence. Alter’s passion for nature and his eloquent advocacy for its preservation, makes this book a significant contribution to the literature of conservation.
Cohabitation with wildlife is not a choice but a necessity for the survival of our planet. The Cobra’s Gaze reminds us that “instead of trying to assert human perspectives and priorities, we need to maintain an open-minded awareness of the unique and complex diversity of the natural world”.
Book: The Cobra’s Gaze: Exploring India’s Wild Heritage
Author: Stephen Alter
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Pp 424, Rs 999
The author is senior fellow at ICRIER.
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