Environmental Consciousness as Reflected in Indian Literature since Vedic Era

Abstract

Since the dawn of ancient era, the scriptures and Vedas have portrayed the inter-relation between man and environment. It preaches us its importance and how to protect the environment and use its resources judiciously. A hymn from the ‘Atharva Veda’, ‘Prithvi Sukta’ describes that ‘Earth is my mother and I am her son’. The Hindu scriptures also present a message that God is present in every element of the world and spreads a message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The whole world is one family). Hence, every organism should be treated equally. These evidences prove that people back then whole heartedly followed the scriptures and traditions and developed a linkage of religion with conservation of the ecosystem. The present study aims to identify the essence of environmental thoughts present in the Vedas and other sacred books, our rich folklore, and literature, including Indian English and our Bhasa literature, written since Vedic era to the modern time.