Enviroprudence: Ancient Indian Perspectives in International Context

Abstract

The modern concept of environmental law was developed as an umbrella to encompass a variety of related concerns, but the concerns and related conflicts are threaded through history like the underside of a tapestry, sometimes not visible, but always a part of the fabric of life. However, environmental concerns have shifted over time and vary by location. The historical perspective of any society shows that protection and preservation of the nature has been fundamental to the cultural and religious ethos. India, being rich in its culture and heritage have a golden root that inherited the values like tolerance, non-violence, equity, and compassion for animate objects, apart from this, nature is the common heritage of human beings.

In this context, this paper conducts a comparative study on how the current International Environmental principles that we have derived from different treaties, conventions, summits etc were already germinated in ancient Indian theories and philosophies. The Indian enviro-prudence had its own proper scientific basis, and the very fact that International Environmental principles have a reflection of the same. The Indian theories were derived from different ancient sources like Upanishads, Vedas, Epics etc.

This paper, further, includes an analysis of the ancient Indian era and Modern era by keeping the view of environmental principles. It also focuses on harmonious relationship and sustenance between man and environment, highlighting the idea of sustainability and its relevance. Moreover, it explores the concept of welfare of all that can be understood by the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means that the world is one family and hence we can derive from it that we need to work collectively and responsibly to curb the environmental challenges.