This compendium of 13 papers, presented at an international seminar, organized at Jadavpur University, attempts to examine the different issues concerning social systems, science and environment, with special reference to India. Taking a close look at the status of ecology and technology from ancient to modern India, it discusses at length the geographical landscape and migration of technological tradition, the environmental disturbances occurred in India and Afghanistan during the early medieval period, land use and tenancy rights.

Further discussing the inner dynamics of capitalism, imperialism and indigenous culture, it deals with the people’s movements and the social changes, with special focus on the Maoist and anti-POSCO movements, the rise of Fascist and Nazi totalitarianism, and the early Soviet commitment to environment protection and its decline.