Nearly two decades after Pradip Krishen’s celebrated work Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide sparked curiosity about Delhi’s flora, another naturalist and botanist, S. Natesh, has embarked on a journey to captivate nature lovers and environmentalists across India. Natesh’s new book, Iconic Trees of India, was released earlier this month at Sunder Nursery in Delhi. Spanning approximately 250 pages, this new book delves into the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of India’s most iconic trees.
While Krishen’s work focused on the trees of Delhi, Iconic Trees of India is a nationwide exploration. Natesh takes readers through 75 natural wonders, covering over 20 states and union territories. The book showcases trees from Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Kerala in the south, and from Gujarat in the west to Nagaland in the east. It not only catalogs these remarkable trees but also blends fascinating anecdotes, cultural significance, and ecological insight.
One might wonder why Natesh decided to write another book about trees, especially given the wealth of literature already available. The likes of A Naturalist’s Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of India by Pradeep Sachdeva and Vidya Tongbram, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohllben, and even Krishen’s own Jungle Trees of Central India have carved their place in the natural history genre. However, Natesh’s book stands out for two primary reasons.
Firstly, Natesh’s narrative style infuses the history of these trees with fascinating facts and folklore, while paying particular attention to individual trees—something that both botanists and historians often overlook. Natesh highlights trees with remarkable stories: India’s oldest tree, the loneliest tree, and even the world’s tallest rhododendron. He knows that claims about trees’ age and other superlatives can be difficult to verify. In India, where many trees hold sacred significance, locals often make exaggerated claims about their history and importance. Natesh addresses this by citing scientific methods like radiocarbon dating to authenticate some of the lore.
One such example is the African baobab tree in Kintoor, Barabanki district near Lucknow. Revered as the sacred parijata, it is claimed to be 5,000 years old by locals. However, radiocarbon dating reveals it to be approximately 800 years old. This attention to detail adds a layer of authenticity and curiosity to the stories Natesh shares, bridging the gap between myth and science.
Secondly, the book is not limited to facts about tree longevity or physical traits. It weaves together culture, history, and even sociopolitical commentary. Each tree becomes a living testament to India’s rich heritage. For instance, Natesh discusses a sacred tree in Jammu and Kashmir, protected by both Hindus and Muslims, symbolizing religious harmony. He writes about the peepal tree in Dehradun, planted by Mahatma Gandhi, and a mango tree planted nearly 200 years ago in Pune by Peshwa Bajirao. Perhaps most chillingly, he recounts the story of the fig tree in the Cellular Jail of Port Blair, where British colonizers executed freedom fighters during India’s colonial period.
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Through these stories, Natesh brings to life not only the scientific importance of the trees but also their role in shaping India’s cultural and historical landscape. His inclusion of lesser-known folklore, community traditions, and environmental commentary gives the book a multidimensional quality that sets it apart from other works in this genre.
Although the book does not include photographs, it is enriched with illustrations by artist Sagar Bhowmick. The illustrations capture the beauty and grandeur of each tree, making up for the lack of original photography. At the book’s launch, environmentalist Faiyaz Ahmad Khudsar, a former student of Natesh, asked why he opted not to include photographs. Natesh responded with a smile, offering to provide the images for anyone willing to create a website, emphasizing that the illustrations were meant to evoke a different kind of connection with the readers.
As the world grapples with environmental crises, Natesh’s work is timely. He highlights the urgent need to protect trees and forests, as they are often the first casualties of urban development. He also reminds readers that the loss of trees not only impacts the ecosystem but also threatens the biodiversity that is critical to the health of the planet. As Natesh writes, “One million animal and plant species are estimated to be threatened with extinction.” He stresses the importance of preserving India’s forests and ensuring that ancient, biodiverse ecosystems are not replaced by monoculture plantations.
Iconic Trees of India is more than a botanical guide; it is a cultural and environmental treasure that urges readers to reflect on the importance of trees in both our past and future. In a world increasingly facing ecological challenges, Natesh’s book is a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between nature and humanity, and the stories these iconic trees continue to tell.
