1 | P a g e

Religious Faith and Indigenous Knowledge for

Environmental Conservation in India: A Perspective

towards Sustainable Development

Sapana Mishra

Research Scholar,Department of African Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences

University of Delhi,(India)

ABSTRACT

In previous years, world politics and every person in general was busy with politics and war. But due to rapid

development activities environmental issues appear to be an important challenge in the twenty first century. As

creatures living on this planet, we are totally dependent on what the Earth bestows upon us for food, water,

minerals and energy resources. Religion blended with ‘वसधुवैकुटुम्बकम’ (the world is one family) can be a powerful

tool for this planet. The idea of environmental conservation and sustainable development are not fresh for India.

Through the lectures of Buddha, Ashoka, Gandhi, the concept of sacrifice for other became the integral part of

the oriental philosophy. Veda, Bhagwad Gita, Upanishads are also believe in supremacy of the nature. By the

help of primary and secondary data source, the paper documents the religious faith and traditional knowledge

related to environmental conservation as well as sustainable development. Today, more than ever, there is a

vital need to document all traditional knowledge and myth among the diverse ethnic communities before the

traditional cultures are totally vanished.

Keywords: Religion, Traditional Knowledge, Climate Change, Adaptation etc.

I. INTRODUCTION

Environment plays a vital role for development of human civilization. The whole ecology and environment

consisting earth, air, water, fire, plant and animal provide the suitable condition for sustaining human life. In

early year every country in the world engaged in politics, war and their blind development but after 1960s,

people started torecognize the impact of environmental crisis.India also facing lots of environmental problems

such as pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, climate change etc. So, the need of development in

sustainable manner in in India is essential for human being and environment. The recognition of our religious

believes or traditional indigenous knowledge about environment or nature providesawareness for better future.

There is an inextricable link between religious faith, indigenous knowledge and environmental conservation. In

India, the relationship between human being and nature attracts the seers of the Vedic time in a unique custom

and the indigenous people protect the nature and biodiversity with their symbiotic relationship and traditional

knowledge. The Rio Earth Summit (1992) stated that indigenous people and their communities and other local

communities have an important role in environmental conservation and management because of their knowledge

2 | P a g e

and traditional practices. Indigenous people learn to live in the most hostile environment and they have evolved

a host of sophisticated strategies for doing so.

II. OBJECTIVES

Environmental crisis and their solution as well as sustainable development arerelevant matter in 21st century. So,

first and foremost my paper focuses on recognition of religious faith and indigenous knowledge about

environment or nature. Secondly paper explains about the environmental conservation methods mentioned on

different ancient knowledge and practises. Third objective is related to the scope of implementing their faith and

knowledge in current environmental scenario. Last but not the least paper elucidatesthe ample possibility of

research for the interested students of modern time.

III. DATASOURCE AND METHODOLOGY

For this study, primary and secondary data have been used. The primary data are mainly collected from original

religious book and interview from scholars and local communities. The secondary data have been collected from

different previous works, books, articles and online sources. The historical, descriptive and analytical methods

are used in this study.

IV. RELEGIOUS FAITH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

The world sanskriti(Culture) of India depends upon its environment, climatic condition and human behaviour.

All religious faith and their philosophy has always been very environmental friendly and they are very sensitive

about environment. Ancient Indian literature discloses a full knowledge of adverse effects of environmental

depletion whether caused by natural or anthropogenic activities. The Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana,

Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Quranbe full of the messages for preservation of environmentand ecological

balance.Through the lectures of Buddha, Ashoka, Gandhi, the concept of sacrifice for other became the integral

part of the oriental philosophy.In India, all religious faiths are intensely related to their holy literatures. For

example Vedas, Ramayana etc. in Hindu, Quran in Islam, and Bible in Christian are very important literatures

for their religious faith. So, all religious believe in supremacy of the nature.

4.1. HINDUISM

Vedas, Upnishads and Puranas

Vedas are most precious Indian heritage which is universally accepted. According to Vedas, there are five

elements i.e. Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth, that make the environment and it is useful for human mankind.

The Vedas attach great importance to environmental protection and purity. A verse from Rig-Veda says,

“Thousands and hundreds of years if you want to enjoy the fruits and happiness of life then take up systematic

planting of trees.” In ancient era poisoning of environment is used for environmental pollution.The people of

Vedic time respect nature and its environment. Earth is like mother and they believe to protect their purity and

dignity.

Besides the Vedas, Upnishads, Puranas, Sutras and other Hindu religious literature reference to worship of

nature. Our sanskrit mantras daily recap us that our rivers, mountains, trees, animals and the earth deserve

3 | P a g e

admiration and dignity. a quote from Vishnu Purana states: "As the wide-spreading nargodha (sanskrit for

banyan) tree is compressed in a small seed, so at the time of dissolution, the whole universe is comprehended in

thee as its germ; as the nargodha germinates from the seed, and becomes just a shoot and then rises into

loftiness, so the created world proceeds from thee and expands into magnitude." The Varah Purana says, ”one

who plants one peepal, one neem, one bar, ten flowering plants or creepers, two pomegranates, two oranges and

five mangos, does not go to hell."

Ramayan, Mahabharta and Bhagvad Gita

In the epic Ramayana Ravana, when faced with calamity, speaks as follows, “I have not cut down any tree in the

month of vaisakh, why then does this calamity befall me?” This serves as a good example to demonstrate how

Hindus respected trees which constituted a large part of our environment. In Gita Lord Krishna gave the concept

of neutrality and satisfactory. That means use the natural resources in sustainable manner.

Other Hindu Literatures

The ancient Indian poet Kalidasa describe environment in their poem. They believe that Himalaya is a great

devatma (soul of God). Kautilya‟s Arthaśāstra, an ancient Indian treatise on administration, economic policy,

taxation, diplomacy, planning and other dimensions of statecraft, remains very much appropriate in today‟s

world as well. The bookrecommends that the "superintendent of forest produce" appointed by the state for each

forest zone be responsible for maintaining the health of the forest, protecting forests as well as wildlife. The

Arthasastra‟s instructions on water indicate that it was regarded as a collective, not a private commodity and

was considered extremely precious.

4.2. ISLAM

Islamic faith, tradition and their moral values provide an effective and holistic view about protection of

environment. The holy Quran and Sunnah are a guiding light to promote the concept of sustainable

development. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) commands human beings to avoid doing damage and wasting

resources as these acts cause degradation of the environment. There are number of references in Quran which

demonstrate for conservation of nature such as concept of trusteeship. Being a guardian or Khalifa, a man

should take all important steps to ensure that resource is passed on to the next generation. Sustainable

Development concept is also related to this concept. All kind of corruption including environmental corruption

like pollution, over exploitation of natural resources is dislike by Allah. According to holy Quran the

conservation of environment and biodiversity is a religious duty as well as social obligation. The excessive

exploitation of natural resources is directly related to accountability and maintenance of the particular resource.

4.3. BUDDHISM

Buddhism advocates a kind and non-aggressive attitude towards nature. It‟s also suggested the practise of metta

“loving-kindness” towards all creatures on the earth. Kutadanta Sutta Buddhism describes that it is the

accountability of the government to protect trees as well as other organic life. It is designated in the Sutta on

Buddhist polity named, „The Ten Duties of the King.‟ (Dasarajadhamma). The Kutadanta Suttapoints out that

the government should take active measures to provide protection to flora and fauna.Pupphavagga in

Dhammapada, points out that one should live in the environment without causing any harm to it. It states: „As a

bee that gathers honey from a flower and departs from it without injuring the flower or its colours or its

4 | P a g e

fragrance, the sage dwells in his village.‟ The flower moreover ensures the continuity of the species and the bee

in taking pollen does not interfere with nature‟s design. So, Environmental conservation isan integral part of the

Buddhism.

4.4. JAINISM

Jainism is one of the most environmentally conscious religions in the world. The principle of non-violence

(Ahimsa)towards all living organism on the earth established this fact.The all form of life (Jiva) is to be

respected. As a highly evolved form of life, human beings have a great moral responsibility in their mutual

dealings and relationships with the rest of the universe. It is this ethical responsibility that made the Jain

tradition a cradle for the creed of environmental protection and harmony.An important principle of Jainism is

expressed in Sutrakrta‐anga as follows: "A man should wander about treatingall creatures as he himself would

be treated." Jain motivate people for minimal consumption i.e. Tyag(Sacrifice). It‟s a part of sustainable

development.

So, all religious faith in India related to protect environment as well as aim to preserve resources for future

generation.

V. INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND ENVIRONMNETAL CONSERVATION

Indigenous knowledge refers to a part of knowledge developed by indigenous or local communities or people

over the time in response to the requirements of their specific local environment.In modern scientific time, the

role of Indigenous and tribal people and their traditional knowledge about environment is highly appreciated and

recognize by national and international level.Most of the local and indigenous communities in India living in

close relation with nature, having a deep sense of cohesion with the environment and being a kinship relation

with natural world. There is a case study of Mendha Lekha village is Maharashtra. In this village people belongs

to Gond tribal communities,take their own decision for protecting forest. Van Suraksha Samiti (VNS) was

constituted by the help of village member and forest official. Villagers used their own rule for the management

of forest. They have also enforced strict rules and regulations on outsiders entering the forest and extracting

precious resource such as bamboo and teak.The maininstitutions are Gram Sabha, Mahila Mandals, Abhyas Gats

(Study circles) and VanSuraksha Samiti.So, the case study shows that forest conservation is best achieved when

communities play a pro- active role and that rules made by the community itself for the protection of the forests

and the other forestry resources has better acceptance and compliance in the society.

‘Johad‟ is a good example of indigenous practises in Rajasthan in India.Rajasthan receives very less rainfall

which led water scarcity. So Johads are rainwater storage tanks which are simply concave shaped barrier built

across the slope with high embankment on three sides while fourth side is left open for the water to enter took

place.At present more than thousand Johads built by community without consulting any engineer. The result is

very positive such as increases water level and reduces scarcity of water for cattle and human. A book “Aaj Bhi

Khare Hain Taalab, means “Ponds Are Still Relevant” written by Shri Anupam Mishra quoted“Even in the 25th

century, Rajasthan will continue to use only indigenous methods of water conservation. The knowledge they

have gained through experience is revered. Any attempt to introduce non-indigenous technology is bound to

fail.”

5 | P a g e

The North-Eastern region in India,which is home to diverse tribal and other ethnic groupslive in complete

harmony with nature. For example, the Meetei communities in the States of Assam and Manipur. Sacred groves,

or Umang Lais, as they are called in the Meetei language, form an integral part of the Manipuri tradition of

nature worship. Several species of plants are protected in these groves, which also offer protection to birds and

animals. These include teak, several fruit trees like lemon, plants of medicinal value such as ginger, eucalyptus

and bamboo. Fishes, waterfowl and other aquatic animals like snails and insects are very common items in the

diet of the Meetei. However, many of these animals are not eaten during certain periods, probably with the

motive of sustainable harvesting and conservation.Thus, in this case certain religious beliefs and practices help

in the conservation of environment.

VI. CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

Indigenous culture and knowledge are now under assault everywhere in India under the impact of over

population, industrial developmentand modernization. Large tribal population have been relocated and displaced

as “ecological refugee” in central part of India due to construction of Narmada and Tehri dam. There is a close

relationship between natural forest and tribal people. Disturbance of forest ecosystem, results in degeneration of

the culture and degradation of biodiversity. Lots of indigenous people don‟t know anything about Intellectual

Property Right.

At international level there are lots of efforts about environmental conservation and sustainable development

such as Rio Earth Summit in 1992. In India, constitution provides some rights about environmental conservation

for exampleArticle 48(A) enforces a constitutional obligation on the state to protect and improve the

environment and safeguards the forests and wildlife of the country and Article 51(A)(g) imposes a constitutional

obligation on the citizens of India to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers

and wildlife. India have laws to deal with air pollution, emission of greenhouse gases and use of ozone-depleting

substances like the Water Act, the Air Act and the Environment Protection Act but the need is for their strict

implementation.

VII. CONCLUSION

Thus, today there are lots of challenges such as industrialisation, urbanization etc.but also to make sure that

clean and fresh water and air are available to our people.This is possible only by active participation of nation

and citizens. There are lots of examples in India about people participation for environmental conservation such

as Bishnoi group of people (protected forest and wild life), Chipko movement (forest conservation). India is rich

their cultural heritage, so government need to protect the indigenous knowledge and also bring in front of

modern people. There is an African saying which also applicable in India that “when a knowledgeable old

person dies a whole library disappears.” So, government need to preserve indigenous knowledge and also

appreciate the religious believes which are beneficial for environmental conservation and sustainable

development. According to National Geographical MagazineIndians are most environmental friendly people.But

this sets an additionalresponsibility on Indians, that is not only protect, preserve and encourage traditional type

6 | P a g e

of knowledge but also to make an example for the world in environmental conservation and sustainable

development.

REFERENCES

[1] Chibber, Bharti. (2008). Indian Cultural Heritage and Environmental Conservation through Traditional

Knowledge. Mainstream Weekly. Vol XLVI. No.25. Gupta K, Anil. And Singh, Anjali. (2011). Indian

Journal of Traditional Knowledge. Vol. 10 (1). pp. 156-166.

[2] Jamieson, Dale. (2001). A Companion to Environmental Philosophy. Oxford(UK): Blackwell Publishers

Ltd.

[3] Jainism and Environmental Conservation. Retrieved from www.biodiversityofindia.org access on 16 April

2017.

[4] Jain Response. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/tomek19.htm. access on 16 April 2017.

[5] Protecting the Indigenous Knowledge Of Biodiversity (India). Retrieved from http://genecampaign.org/wp

access on 16 April 2017.

[6] Sarmah, Rajib. (2015). Environmental Awareness in the Vedic Literature: An Assessment. International

Journal of Sanskrit Research. Vol.1 (4). pp. 05-08.

[7] Sharma, H.S. and Khan T.I. (2003). Environmental Conservation, Depleting Resources and Sustainable

Development. Jaipur(India): Aavishkar Publishers.

[8] Singh K, Ranjay and Sureja K Amish. (2006). Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Agricultural

Resources Management under Rain fed Agro-Ecosystem. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. Vol.

7(4). pp. 642-654.

[9] Silva de Lily. Buddhism and Environmental Awareness. Retrieved from

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/desilva/attitude.html access on 17 April 2017.

[10] Singh, Birkumar H. (2011). ). Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. Vol. 10 (1). pp. 190-193.

[11] Tanwar, Renu. (2016). Environmental Conservation in Ancient India. IOSR Journal Of Humanities And

Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 21, Issue 9, Ver. 11. PP 01-04.

[12] Tiwari, Shashi. Origin of Environmental Science from Vedas. Retrived from

http://www.sanskrit.nic.in/svimarsha/v2/c17.pdf access on 16 April 2017.