INTRODUCTION

RAMBLE -- Research and Monitoring in the Banni Landscape -- is an open research platform with the chief mandate of facilitating disciplinary and interdisciplinary research on various aspects of the Banni grassland ecosystem, its pastoral communities, and their interactions with the grassland. Implicit in our approach is the understanding that ecological and social systems are intimately coupled, and neither can be fully understood independently of the other.
Research by RAMBLE is expected to help nuance our understanding of the ecological, institutional, and socio-economic drivers that help shape this ecosystem. Ultimately, such understanding is expected to feed into ongoing policy dialogue on the future management and use of the Banni.
Researchers of all disciplines, within and outside India, are invited to collaborate with RAMBLE or initiate independent research within our broadly defined research agenda. Our fully functional field station provides logistical support needed to undertake research.

History

In 2012, a group of researchers and civil society organizations joined hands to create RAMBLE as an open platform with the stated objective of facilitating wide-ranging, interdisciplinary research on all aspects of the Banni. Early partners included Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD), Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Banni Pashu Uchherak Maldhari Sangathan (BPUMS or Banni Breeders’ Association), Hunnarshala, K-Link, National Centre for Biological Science (NCBS), and Sahjeevan.
Hunnarshala was tasked with designing and building a research station aligned with local architecture. The first phase of the field station was completed in 2013, with dormitories that could accommodate 16 students, a central kitchen, and a meeting hall. Subsequent additions have included two guest rooms and a laboratory for soil and vegetation analysis. The meeting hall is used by BPUMS for its meetings.
Regular interactions between BPUMS and RAMBLE researchers have ensured that research at RAMBLE is infused with concerns routinely voiced by the community--a core objective that informed the establishment of RAMBLE. Over the past seven years, five masters and one PhD theses have been completed, based on field work undertaken at RAMBLE; a further three PhD theses are under completion.
Explore Projects

Partners

RAMBLE’s Core Partners help manage RAMBLE the institution (not just the field station) and have been instrumental in raising core, institutional funds towards its functioning. These currently include Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Banni Pashu Uchherak Maldhari Sangathan (BPUMS), National Centre for Biological Science (NCBS), and Sahjeevan, including its Centre for Pastoralism,
Affiliate Partners have either had a long-term institutional engagement with RAMBLE, have faculty willing to mentor researchers, or have expressed intent to use the RAMBLE facilities for the purposes of teaching, outreach, or research. These include Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD), Hunnarshala, and Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

RAMBLE welcomes additional institutions in either category. Individuals wishing to use the field station are welcome, irrespective of their institutional location.

support us

Over the last few years, we have received financial and institutional support from a number of local and international organizations. If you are interested in supporting us, please contact us at:
Send us a mail

contact us

Field station located at:
Banni Research Centre,
Hodko village, Bhuj,
Gujarat 370510
Connect with us