BHIE-143 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for BHIE-143: History of Environment

BHIE-143: History of Environment is a core component of IGNOU’s Bachelor of Arts (BAG) curriculum under the School of Social Sciences, designed to critically examine the interplay between human societies and their environmental contexts across historical epochs. This course traces the evolution of environmental concerns from pre-historic hunter-gatherer societies to contemporary global movements, integrating archaeological evidence, philosophical perspectives, and socio-political analyses. Students explore how colonialism, post-colonial development, gender dynamics, and institutional frameworks (such as UN agencies and NGOs) have shaped environmental policies and conservation strategies. The syllabus emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending historical methodologies with contemporary environmental studies to foster analytical rigor and contextual understanding.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Unit-1: Studying Environmental Concerns in History A Perspective: Introduces foundational theoretical frameworks for environmental history, including methodological challenges and the role of archives in reconstructing ecological relationships.
• Unit-2: Environment and Early Societies I Hunting-Gathering and Nomadic Societies: Analyzes the ecological adaptations of prehistoric communities, their resource management practices, and the impact of climate shifts on mobility and subsistence strategies.
• Unit-4: Environment Issues in the Medieval Ages in India: Examines agrarian systems, water management (e.g., stepwells, irrigation networks), and deforestation trends during medieval kingdoms, linking ecological changes to socio-economic structures.
• Unit-8: Colonialism and Environment Green Imperialism: Critiques the extractive practices of colonial powers (e.g., forest policies, industrial exploitation) and their long-term ecological consequences, including the commodification of nature.
• Unit-12: Role of UN, NGOs, and Global Movements in Environmental Activism: Evaluates the formation of international environmental governance (e.g., Stockholm Conference, Rio Declaration) and the grassroots campaigns that influenced policy agendas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for BHIE-143 assignments, and how many assignments are mandatory for the course?
A: BHIE-143 requires submission of two assignments, each carrying 20 marks (total 40 marks). These assignments are internally assessed by Study Centres and contribute to the final grade, with pass criteria set at 40% aggregate across all components.

Q: Are there recommended reference books or IGNOU study materials specific to BHIE-143 that students should prioritize for exam preparation?
A: IGNOU provides a prescribed textbook (Environmental History: A Reader) and supplementary references listed in the course guide. Students should focus on the Block Notes (available in the IGNOU eGyanKosh portal) and case studies from Units 3–12 for comprehensive coverage of theoretical and regional themes.