Sharp roots shoot out from the ground, a place where it is hard to walk, harder to run, and hardest to survive. With 400 man-eating Royal Bengal Tigers, Sundarban offers some of the most dangerous careers to its residents.
Located at the south of Tropic of Cancer, shared by Bangladesh and India, it is the largest delta system in the world, which supports the biggest contiguous mangrove block. It is a labyrinth of islands and water channels, which works as natural protection during tropical cyclones, and supports numerous land and marine animal species, many of which are endangered.
Due to encounters with tigers, while collecting honey, crabs, or firewood in the forest, around 70-80 people die annually. The tough terrain of the mangroves has forced tigers to overcome their fear of humans. It is easier to hunt slow Homo sapiens than swift antelopes. In Sundarban, man is not on top of the food chain, but a mere part of it.
The residents of Sundarban share an intimate relationship with tigers. They are monstrous foes and yet demi-Gods or subordinate deities. Subordinate to Bon Bibi; the jungle goddess. She is worshiped by Hindus, Muslims, and Tribes alike. It is believed that Bon Bibi controls everything in the forest. She punishes the greedy and rewards the honest. Tigers obey her orders, and humans must accept it humbly.
The belief has a big influence on the moral consciousness of residents of Sundarban. The traditions, which are born under this influence, guide people to respect nature. The people here are very well connected to the modern world of politics, economy, and technology, yet their culture encourages a lifestyle of coexistence with the wilderness. It is embedded in upbringing, and transfers from generation to generation.