Sundarbans: A Physical-environmental & Socio-cultural Complex Hitherto

Being a part of the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Sundarbans’ ecoregion encompasses distinctive physiography and geomorphology; intricate network of rivers, tidal channels and creeks; largest halophytic mangrove forest coverage and faunal diversity. Besides natural attributes, it has unique sociocultural characteristics deeply intertwined with the environment. The present chapter discusses physical-environmental conditions of the Indian Sundarbans region along with the socio-cultural attributes existing there. The interrelation between fragile physical-environmental conditions and socio-cultural attributes are elaborated along with the impact of changing climate on these aspects, especially on the inhabitants.