Significance of Socio-Cultural Relationships Between River Ghats and Local Communities in Conserving the River Ghats: The Case of Baghbazar Ghat, Kolkata

Abstract

Kolkata in India has a promenade riverine system. In it, the river Ghats are promenade structures that create communications between a river and its people. The local vernacular communities living close to them have closely knitted socio-cultural relationships with the river Ghats, which help to build their identity. In fact, they act as the thresholds between the rivers and the cities. The Baghbazar Ghat, with its profound religious and cultural significance has been a hub for the traditional practices of the local communities. However, the changing dynamics of these practices, and the gradual abandonment of the Ghats pose a threat to their conservation and protection. This research examines the issue of the conservation of the river Ghats and their socio-cultural relationships with the local communities. It examines the history and different social practices associated with the river Ghats in the past and today. The study uses a mixed-method approach to reveal the socio-cultural interactions between the local communities and the river Ghats. It also employs observations and interviews with the local communities to unearth the significant role the river Ghat plays in the socio-cultural practices. Maps, drawings and charts have been created to analyze the data. The paper concludes that the river ghats play a significant role in the socio-cultural practices and identifies them as the backbone of the Kolkata city that fosters the traditional practices. They sustain the traditions, culture, social systems, history and heritage of the city. It therefore offers strategies for the conservation of the River Ghats.