Yashendu Joshi
Marsh crocodiles, in India, are both abundant and culturally significant, despite being one of the world’s most conflict-prone crocodilian species. Human–crocodile interactions in Gujarat have recently intensified, as one of India’s fastest-growing states in terms of economic development. At the same time, conservation efforts have led to the recovery and re-establishment of several locally extinct crocodile populations. Today, crocodiles live in remarkably close proximity to humans, in temple ponds, irrigation canals, agricultural fields, reservoirs, and within urban and peri-urban water bodies. While crocodiles play an indispensable role in the ecosystem as top predators and in local cultures, their prevalent interactions with humans have multifaceted ecological, economic, and social implications.
Ancient Scales will document historical and contemporary human–crocodile relationships in Gujarat, India, where marsh crocodiles are both revered and feared. Through three case studies across ecologically and culturally distinct regions, the project will explore coexistence by conducting semi-structured interviews, documenting sacred rituals through participant observation, and studying crocodile behaviour. First, Charotar and Sugal, where crocodiles are ecologically present and culturally venerated, embedded in religious and community life. Second, Rapar, where crocodiles are present but cultural attachment is limited, shaped by environmental constraints or memory gaps. Third, Sagbara, where crocodiles no longer exist physically but persist symbolically through folklore, ritual, and oral histories. These site categories reflect different histories of human–crocodile relationships, allowing me to understand the varied forms of coexistence they have enabled over time. The key stakeholders in this project include local communities (fishers, farmers, temple caretakers, and artisans), temple committees, local NGOs, and the Forest Department. Each group plays an important role in shaping human–crocodile relationships and will be engaged through a combination of collaboration, reciprocity, and knowledge-sharing.
One key output planned is an interactive platform, ancientscales.net, featuring oral histories, visuals, and illustrated narratives. By highlighting positive relationships, this project aims to inspire conservation approaches that respect local knowledge and bridge cultural heritage with environmental sustainability.