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Environment is a concern central to all mankind especially in recent times. Nature is the precondition for human life and survival. Given the central position it acquires in our lives, the book, Unearthed: An Environmental History of Independent India by Meghaa Gupta, becomes a very important contribution to the domain of reading especially at the juncture when environmental concerns have gained prominence like never before.

Though written mainly for children, the book is a product of extensive historical research and can be enjoyed by adults equally. Several historical events have been traced  along with their impact on ecology and nature. In brief and lucid twenty chapters, the author brings forth the Green Revolution, Milk Revolution, Nuclear Energy advancement,  the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the Taj Mahal crises, Water Scarcity in Chennai  and so many more crucial events of history. The author must be applauded for such a chronological documentation with an environmental perspective that is rare and one of its kind. Ecological movements like the Sardar Sarovar agitation, Chipko movement and others have been analysed from multiple perspectives thereby providing a rich historical account. There is information provided about activists, discoverers and nature enthusiasts who have been tremendous make force in the field of ecological conservation. This makes the reader acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of such people and also get inspired to do something for the environment in their own lives. This may lead to a stronger fight for Nature and justice for those who get affected by it.