Chapter 3: Ethical Discourses in Ancient Indian Culture for Sustainable Protection of the Environment

To: The survival of all living beings depends on maintaining a positive and harmonized relationship with nature. However, due to over-exploitation and environmental negligence, ecological disasters have increased in recent decades. Traditional values such as simplicity, resource conservation, cooperation, and concern for future generations are diminishing. Ancient Indian knowledge, philosophy, and culture, as reflected in texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Jain, and Buddhist literature, emphasize environmental protection for both nature and future generations. This paper explores the ethical discourses in ancient Indian traditions that influence attitudes toward environmental conservation and sustainability.

Research Methodology: The study is based on a qualitative analysis of ancient Indian texts, including Smritis such as Manu, Narad, and Parashar Smritis, along with Kautilya’s Arthashastra and commentaries like Mitakshara. These texts provide ethical guidelines and legal norms for environmental conservation. The research also examines constitutional provisions that align with these traditional principles to support sustainable development goals (SDGs 3, 6, 11–15, and 17).

Findings: The study highlights that Indian philosophical and legal traditions advocate environmental protection as a moral and social duty. These ethical principles promote sustainable resource use and environmental harmony.

Implications: By integrating ancient Indian ethical discourses with modern sustainability frameworks, this research provides practical recommendations for promoting environmental conservation in contemporary society.