share
Frame

In The Dang

Compared to the rest of Gujarat, the forested region of Dang remains impoverished despite having a wealth of natural resources.

Words by:

Hritika Sachdev

Photos by:

Nitin Sadana

No items found.
Shop the Look

One of the reasons is the problematic approach of various regimes to the forest and the indigenous people.

A hilly region in South Gujarat, Dang missed the Modi miracle. The forests remain as they have been since time immemorial, the district devoid of industrial development, and its tribal population left to sustain itself on the rich forest produce from the hill like its fathers and forefathers did. 

While the lack of development means that Dang is one of the most impoverished regions in the country, it remains bounteous. Dang’s forest has some of the world’s finest teak, second only to the world-famous Burmese teak. Teakwood is highly sought after for its strength and durability, making it an important commodity in the region. Bamboo is another valuable commodity. It grows wild and is used by communities such as the Kotwalias to make products such as furniture, baskets and homeware. The forest is also a rich repository of medicinal plants that locals harvest to make potions and ointments.

Despite being surrounded by natural riches, the people who have inhabited the forest for centuries endure much hardship. One of the reasons is the problematic approach of various regimes to the forest and the indigenous people. It began with the British who, in the nineteenth century, entered into a treaty with the kings of Dang to log teak and, in the process, monopolised the trade. They also put into place the Indian Forest Act of 1927 that regulated the extraction of forest produce. Essentially, this meant that indigenous folk, who had for generations relied on the forest for sustenance, were denied access to resources they considered a birthright. 

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.

No items found.
Unlike most regions in Gujarat, Dang has little industry and is economically poor.
No items found.
In the forests of Dang, bamboo grows wild and is used by the local communities to make products such as furniture, baskets and homeware.
Indigenous communities such as the Kotwalias have resided in the forests of Dang for centuries together. They often find themselves struck by hardship, largely owing to the problematic regulations adopted by various regimes over the years, right from the time of the British occupation, to their messy implementation by local governments in the present day.
No items found.
Object has collaborated with the Eklavya Foundation to create boxes made from bamboo and teak procured from Dang. You can get your own Dang box on our website. Seven per cent of all sales go to the tribals for skill upgradation.
 It is difficult to foretell what lies ahead for the indigenous communities of Dang. According to an amendment promulgated in 2017 to the Indian Forest Act of 1927, bamboo grown outside of reserved forest areas was classified as a grass, thus making it easier for industrialists to have their own bamboo plantations. Meanwhile for the locals, forest rights are mired in political apathy, compelling them to struggle to assert their rights as a community.
No items found.
The people of Dang are primarily dependent on the forest for their sustenance and livelihood. While some communities practise shifting cultivation, the Kotwalias are engaged in bamboo-weaving.
No items found.
Object has collaborated with the Eklavya Foundation to create boxes made from bamboo and teak procured from Dang. You can get your own Dang box on our website. Seven per cent of all sales go to the tribals for skill upgradation.

Hritika Sachdev

Hritika Sachdev is a recent graduate.

No items found.
By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Join the Journey

No Thanks
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.