The unbreakable relationship between nature and man has existed since the creation of the universe. The Earth has always been the provider of all living beings. The environment has held a very important place in India’s cultural heritage.
Ancient Indian traditions have a special contribution to the protection of the environment. The environment is the life‑giving power of humans. Accepting all the forces of nature as life givers, sages have given them the place of divinity. In the present materialistic age, these ancient beliefs have disappeared, which have been a strong pillar of support in Indian cultural traditions in symbolic form. Indian sages and scholars had sufficient knowledge of the dangers that grow on the living base when there is an imbalance in the environment. They considered nature to be the most fruitful for human beings.
In Indian culture, along with concern for the geographical, astronomical, and natural environment, special attention has also been paid to the moral and spiritual environment. In basic customs of society, sacred thoughts have been included in religion so that people automatically perform with mental, verbal, and physical purity. By establishing a romantic relationship with the elements of nature, we have completely integrated them with our personality.
The environment protects our lives; it is the cover around us. Environmental protection means that we should preserve the cover around us and make it friendly. The environment and living beings depend on each other. This is the reason why the concept of environmental protection in Indian thought tradition is as ancient as the known history of mankind. The importance of water, forests, and land in the context of tribals cannot be ignored even today. The life of every living being in the universe is almost impossible without nature.
Global Challenges and Ancient Awareness
Due to natural imbalance, the icebergs are melting because of rising temperatures. The world is horrified by the dreadful global warming situation, whose prevention has become a challenging task today.
One of the most frightening situations in the world at present is environmental pollution. The Earth gave birth to humans, but today they are destroying it. Environmental pollution is a problem for the whole world today. The ancient Indian sages had clarified this problem in the past. Although there was no pollution problem then, they had a sense of the times to come. Since the beginning of creation, the Indian mind has been constantly conscious and contemplative of the welfare of living beings—this is also the basic declaration and motto of Indian culture.
Contemplation on the Environment in Ancient India and Traditions
The concept of contemplation on the environment in Indian culture is as ancient as the existence of human beings. Sages accepted all beings in the natural entity, and since Vedic times, humans have been praying to the gods for good health. Green vegetation is worshipped as divine because it exhales oxygen by ingesting carbon dioxide. Hence, watering the trees is like offering water to Lord Shiva.
The Vedas indicate that sitting under the Peepal tree is healthy, and the Palash (Dhak) tree emits fragrance and vital air day and night. Trees are the heritage of our culture; that’s why many trees are considered sacred. Vedic sages, while contemplating the environment, described the way of nature—they mused on creation in the initial stage, in the hymns of the Rigveda.
In ancient times, if a tree had to be cut due to unavoidable reasons, there was a condition to apologise to the tree by planting another one. Religious texts mention that trees with bird nests and those standing on temple or cremation grounds should not be cut, such as Banyan, Peepal, Aak, and Neem. Excavations of historical sites reveal pictures inscribed on seals showing that Indus Valley inhabitants worshipped trees.
Tradition of Watering Trees and Protecting Wildlife
The tradition of watering trees has been going on since ancient times. Indian women and girls water the Ficus religiosa (Peepal) tree in April/May (Vaisakh). The belief behind this is that these trees can be saved from the scorching heat of May–June (Jyestha). For protection and conservation, arrangements like social festivals were implemented. Priests of temples participated in forest conservation.
Wildlife is also considered a major part of our environment. When there is a right balance of these, the environment remains pure and clean. For their protection, honouring wild animals as important associates of our planet is stressed in cultural traditions.
Importance of Environmental Protection in Ancient Indian Literature
Ancient literature explains the importance of the environment through different topics and methods. Various measures are mentioned for environmental protection and promotion. Many incidents related to wildlife appear in the Panchatantra and Jataka tales of knowledge and morality.
Indian culture has always been aware of the importance and protection of nature. Immense love and dedication towards the environment are reflected in the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Ramcharit Manas, Mahabharata, and folk literature. Every element of nature is described with subtlety and beauty, worshipped as a deity.
The Vedas are considered the main texts of creation science. They emphasise environmental balance, praising water, air, fire, and earth. The Rigveda highlights water’s nectar and medicinal properties, stressing purity and cleanliness. The Samaveda contains mantras showing scientific truths known to sages long before modern science.
The Ramayana and Ramcharit Manas emphasise the purity of the natural environment for human life. Tulsidas described the interrelationship of wildlife with forests, considering eating fruit from trees acceptable but cutting them an offence.
Eternal Relevance of Environmental Traditions
According to these descriptions, Indian culture shows the deep association between environment and human life. Human life is not possible without a proper environment. Therefore, it is vital to maintain a natural environment for human existence.
Indian society has played the role of environmental protector since time immemorial. Traditions were developed to preserve and protect the environment. Rituals, folk songs, and paintings all reflect immense respect for nature. The spirit of environmental protection is at the core of Indian culture.