religious faith and indigenous knowledge for …data.conferenceworld.in/icrrdesh3/1.pdf · through...
TRANSCRIPT
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.