Water Culture in South Asia: Bangladesh Perspectives

by Suzanne Hanchett, Tofazzel Hossain Monju, Kazi Rozana Akhter, Shireen Akhter, Anwar Islam

Overview

"Water is life" in Bangladesh. This book introduces the reader to the vast range of meanings that water has in this South Asian country. Mythology, ancient sciences, folklore, and language provide a cultural foundation for water's uses in the home. The problem of arsenic in drinking water is discussed. Includes bibliography, glossary, and more than 70 photographs.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940158680274
Publisher:	Development Resources Press
Publication date:	09/15/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	284
Sales rank:	409,193
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

The five authors have done a number of studies of water-related issues in Bangladesh over a period of more than 10 years on behalf of international organizations such as UNICEF, CARE, and WaterAid. Dr. Suzanne Hanchett, Team Leader of these studies, is a social/cultural anthropologist.

Editorial Reviews

Interesting and important for anyone working in water in Bangladesh and world-wide. If only there were such books for all countries!

Joke Mulwijk

This insightful and very readable book is a review of South Asia's water-related, traditions mythology ethnographic and folkloric customs. Methodologically it is solidly empirical with fieldwork for more than 12 years....The book is a model of how to present the results of rigorous social science research in an accessible fashion ...Indigenous and folk beliefs will be part of any effective solutions to the urgent water problems facing humanity.

Dr. Sue Cavill

A group of authors...have in this delightful book explored familiar cultural nuances: nuances that generally escape the notice of policy makers sitting in distant headquarters formulating policies for villagers....The authors have narrated myths related to ponds, for instance.... Each aspect of cultural use has been described in much detail and with authenticity. Though the focus of this book is Bangladesh, its lessons hold true for India and Pakistan as well.

Prof. Bidyut Mohanty

In this richly-detailed work Hanchett, Monju, Ahkter, Ahkter and Islam give voice to the varied meanings, values, and patterned behavior surrounding Bengali water culture, producing a immensely useful work for the practitioner and scholar alike. Both a practical guide and demonstrative illustration of why indigenous and folk beliefs must be part of any effective solution to urgent water problems, this is a valuable contribution to the global water literature.

Dr. Barbara Rose Johnston

The authors give a complete ethnographic perspective of the cultural customs and the role of women in charge of water collection and distribution. The authors suggest that women should participate in decision-making with government representatives.

Dr. Gisele Maynard-Tucker