ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS IN THE MAHABHARATA

Abstract

This article focuses on environmental and ecological awareness in the perspective of the Mahabharata, a noble Hindu epic. The existence of good life on this planet- earth, is not possible without pure environment. Today, the interest in environmental and ecological awareness is seen spreading its wings to humanities. It embraces literature, art, music, history, religion and many branches of knowledge. The Hindus have responded in a very positive way for the concern of ecology. They say “One tree is equal to ten sons”. Sanskrit literature is not only rich in the grammatical composition and romantic expression but also in knowledge about environment, its destruction and the need for its protection which come up in many contexts every now and then whenever any attempt is made to study this literature. Starting from the Vedic age till now it carries a number of appearances in the writings of scholars. This need to be explored in detail as the vast size and span of it leaves enough scope for researchers to dig up those sources of knowledge. Mahabharata reflects a conflict over social policy in the face of an environmental disaster. The epic teaches to love and respect all the creatures equally. The paper would include images on environment and ecological awareness as raised in text.