An appraisal of Physico-Cultural landscape of chalsa with special reference to Mangalbari and Mathachulka Villages in Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal

The region Chalsa is under a moderate climatic regime in the foothill of Himalayan mountain of Dooars region. The cultural landscape of Chalsa has developed in response to physical environment with the population adapted to the natural environment. The natural environment of Chalsa has left a visible impact on the settlement pattern, house types, economic activities, gender relations, family and kinship structure, standard of living and religious beliefs and practices. The present paper seeks to establish the sustainable nature of relations that existed between man and the physical environment in Mangalbari and Mathachulka Villages of Chalsa region.