Seasonal Smellscapes And Indigenous Flora: Exploring Olfactory Identity Of Indian Cities

Abstract

Indigenous plants play a pivotal role in the ecological balance and cultural identity of Indian urban environments. Their presence contributes not only to biodiversity and air quality but also fosters aesthetic and symbolic values integral to city life. In rapidly urbanizing Indian contexts, indigenous flora remains critical in mitigating environmental degradation and supporting sustainable urban habitats. Concurrently, the urban smellscape—defined as the olfactory dimension of urban sensory experience—carries complex socio-cultural and environmental significances that shape residents’ interaction with their surroundings. This smellscape is intrinsically linked to the phenology of indigenous plants, whose seasonal cycles influence the temporal and spatial dynamics of urban odors. This paper synthesizes multidisciplinary literature to explore the relationship between indigenous plants and urban smellscapes in Indian cities, with a particular focus on their seasonal variations and the implications these hold for urban sustainability, cultural dynamics, and sensory geography.