'An Encroaching Sea breaks new ground for the study of infrastructure across the colonial and postcolonial divide in South Asia. Shankar's path-breaking work takes a micro-historical approach to an infrastructural project i.e. Cochin Harbour to show how economic and environmental concerns around port development and coastal erosion might allow us to recast 20th century histories of sovereignty, jurisdiction and environment in South Asia. A very timely addition that will deepen our understanding of development, climate catastrophe and Indian ocean coastlines.' Debjani Bhattacharyya, University of Zürich

'An Encroaching Sea is a brilliant and original contribution to both environmental history and legal history - and it blends them in new ways. Based on rigorous and extensive archival research in India and beyond, Devika Shankar shows how the British colonial state responded to ecological anxieties and legal challenges from princely states by building a massive port in Cochin harbour. Shankar traces the deep roots of an enduring pattern: states, when faced with unruly ecologies, double down on their faith in infrastructure. This stimulating book deserves the widest possible audience.' Sunil Amrith, Yale University