The botanical histories of South India are as rich as its beautiful, diverse flora, predictably entwined in Empire and colonialism, local cultures and traditional medicinal practices.

As well as the plants themselves the cast of characters includes Islamic ruler warriors, Portuguese spice traders, Dutch administrators, East India Company Scottish surgeon botanists, Telagu and Tamil botanical artists, Kew horticulturalists and even Quaker quinologists. These people documented and nurtured Indian biodiversity but were also responsible for changing landscapes and environmental history: introducing plants from overseas, establishing plantations of tea, coffee, rubber,  cinchona and spices. From the Malabar Coast to the heights of the Western Ghats there are many stories to tell.

Schedule

12.00pm - Welcome from Claire Baxter Cambridge Alumni Office and Jon Baines, Jon Baines Tours

12.10pm - Talk from Gina Fullerlove

12.45pm - Q&A with Gina, facilitated by Jon Baines

1.00pm - Finish

Please note, this event will be recorded.

This talk is part of the Cambridge Alumni Travel programme, and is organised by Jon Baines who will be arranging the alumni journey to South India which will be accompanied by Gina Fullerlove.