Geography as an Integrating Discipline

Geography is not a subject that works in isolation. It is, by its very nature, a discipline of synthesis — it pulls together threads from many different fields to understand the world as a whole. Where history attempts temporal synthesis (understanding how things change over time), geography attempts spatial synthesis (understanding how things are arranged and related across space). Its approach is holistic: it recognises that the world is a system of interdependencies, where no phenomenon exists in a vacuum.

That sense of interconnection has only grown stronger in the modern world. The present world is often described as a global village. Distances have been effectively reduced by better means of transportation, which have increased accessibility between places. At the same time, audio-visual media and information technology have enriched the data base available to us. Technology has also provided better chances of monitoring natural phenomena, as well as economic and social parameters. All of this makes geography's integrating role more relevant than ever.

Geography's interface with other sciences

Every science — whether natural or social — shares one basic objective: understanding reality. Geography's particular contribution is that it attempts to comprehend the associations of phenomena as they relate to sections of reality. In other words, it looks at how different things are connected in a given place.

All scientific disciplines are linked with geography because many of their elements vary over space. A phenomenon that holds true in one location may not hold true in another, and geography is the discipline that tracks and explains those variations. Geography helps in understanding reality in totality, but always in its spatial perspective. It does not merely note the differences in phenomena from place to place — it integrates them holistically, recognising that the same phenomenon may be different at other places.

This means a geographer is required to have a broad understanding of all related fields, so as to be able to logically integrate them. The relationship of geography with other natural and social sciences is typically shown through a diagram (Figure 1.1 in the book), which depicts these linkages clearly. The linkages can be put under two broad segments: those with natural sciences and those with social sciences.

How geography influences history

The integrating nature of geography can be understood through concrete examples, and one of the most striking is its influence on historical events. Spatial distance itself has been a very potent factor in altering the course of world history.

Spatial depth provided defence to many countries, particularly in the last century. In traditional warfare, countries with large area gain time at the cost of space — an invading army has to cover vast distances, which slows it down and gives the defending side time to prepare. The oceanic expanse around the countries of the new world protected them from wars being imposed on their soil.

If we look at historical events world over, each one of them can be interpreted geographically. Consider India's own example:

• The Himalayas have acted as great barriers, providing protection to the subcontinent.
• But the passes in the mountains provided routes for migrants and invaders from Central Asia.
• The sea coast encouraged contact with people from East and Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa.
• Navigation technology helped European countries to colonise a number of countries in Asia and Africa, including India, as they gained accessibility through the oceans.

The geographical factors have thus modified the course of history in different parts of the world.

Time as the fourth dimension

The relationship between geography and time is equally important. Every geographical phenomenon undergoes change through time and can be explained temporally. The changes in landforms, climate, vegetation, economic activities, occupations and cultural developments have all followed a definite historical course. …