An Analysis of Ecological Consciousness in Indian Scriptures and Classical Literature

The concept of ecocriticism in literature was first introduced in English literature in the late 1970s by William Rueckert in his article titled “Literature and Ecology: An Experiment in Ecocriticism”. Cheryll Glotfelty, Harold Fromm, and Lawrence Buell are the pioneers of ecocriticism. Ecological consciousness, including the conservation of natural resources such as water, vegetation, and forests, has been a persistent and enduring theme in Indian scriptures and classical Sanskrit literature. The ecological consciousness, reverence for all elements of nature, the treatment of natural objects as having souls within them, animism, and concern for biodiversity have been eloquently and adequately addressed in the Vedic and Upanishadic literatures. This research aims to reflect upon the voices of ecological concerns, the significance of ecological symbiosis, and the Vedic cultural practices contained in Indian scriptures and classical literature. That laid the foundation of ancient Indian cultural, religious, and literary practices. These issues will be analyzed with special reference to the Atharva Veda, the Upanishads, and some of the seminal works of poet-dramatist Kalidasa. Although all the Vedas address the concept of ecological balance, the Atharva Veda is exclusively dedicated to preserving ecology. She advocates for human beings’ righteous duty towards maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.

Keywords: Ecocriticism; ecological consciousness; the Vedic culture; Indian scriptures; Indian classical literature