Mythogenic Mountain Landscapes and Shakta Sacred Geographies: Cultural Memory of Geodynamic Processes in the Indian Subcontinent

Mythogenic Mountain Landscapes and Shakta Sacred Geographies: Cultural Memory of Geodynamic Processes in the Indian Subcontinent

Nigam Dave, Shrishti Kushwah, Ankita Srivastava, Dharmanshu Vaidya

 

Mountain landscapes of India are characterised by active tectonics, complex relief, and frequent exposure to earthquakes, landslides, and hydrological disasters. While geospatial hazard research models these processes using physical datasets, culturally grounded responses to long-term environmental instability remain less expolored within landscape-based analyses. This paper examines mythogenic mountain landscapes by analysing how Shakta sacred geographies function as spatial expressions of cultural memory associated with geodynamic processes.

 

The study focuses on selected Shakta-associated sacred sites situated in tectonically and geomorphically dynamic regions, including Kamakhya (Nilachal Hill, Assam), Jwalamukhi/Jwala Devi (Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh), Naina Devi and Chintpurni (Shivalik foothills, Himachal Pradesh), and Jayanti at Nartiang (Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya). Using GIS-based spatial profiling, site locations are analyzed in relation to relief, drainage corridors, and regional deformation zones. We also comparatively interpret recurring mythic motifs and ritual-temporal practices.

 

The analysis reveals patterned concentrations of sacred sites along mountain–plain transitions and structurally complex landscapes associated with environmental volatility. By situating landscape-scale patterning rather than site-specific belief, the study invites cross-disciplinary discussion on the role of geomythology in geoheritage interpretation and risk awareness. Recognising such mythogenic landscapes suggests culturally grounded perspectives for disaster-risk communication in regions facing increasing multi-hazard pressures.