ECOLOGY, TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMY: Continuity and Change among the Fisherfolk of Kerala

“Ecology, Technology and Economy: Continuity and Change among the Fisherfolk of Kerala” is the first book of its kind dealing with ecology, technology and economy of the Mappila, Hindu and Latin Christian fisherfolks of Kerala and their adaptation of modern technology. The impact of recent restrictions on trawling during the monsoon every year for the restoration of the marine life and other related issues are being highlighted. The traditional Hindu fisherfolk have lagged behind in adapting modern technology whereas the Latin Christians and the Mappilas embraced every such opportunity as a result of which they have become prosperous.

The author has also paid special attention to evaluate the traditional ecological knowledge of the fishermen and the modern technological innovations. The continuity of the time-tested technology is emphasized in the traditional knowledge of the fisherfolks in the understanding of various kinds of winds, currents, waves and availability of species of fish. Caught between the hazardous nature of fishing as an occupation and modern technological innovations should or could the traditional fishermen give it up for a living? This is the crux of the study.

Following an anthropological approach, the author, with his long experience in the field, has made it a study of absorbing interest.

A renowned anthropologist, P.R.G. Mathur has earned international recognition for his studies of indigenous communities of India in general and those of Kerala in particular. The 15th International Congress of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (ICAES) of International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Science (IUAES) had nominated him as Chairman of Panels/Sessions in 2003 (Florence).

After associating for more than 15 years with the Kerala Institute for Research and Training and Development Studies (KIRTADS) as Director and Head of the Department, Dr. Mathur has been working as Secretary and Professor at Ananthakrishna International Centre for Anthropological Studies (AICAS) since 2000. Besides several monographs, he has published more than fifty articles in reputed national and international journals.