Indigenous Sustainability: Lessons From Ancient Indian Traditions

Abstract

This paper examines ancient Indian spiritual and practical traditions as foundations for sustainability, drawing on Vedic texts, Arthashastra, and Indus Valley archaeological evidence (c. 4300–1300 BCE). Ahimsa (non-violence) extends to soil organisms in Jain agriculture. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world as one family) recognizes all beings as manifestations of universal energy. Lokasangraha (collective welfare) from Chanakya aligns with UN SDGs 1, 10, and 16. Sacred groves function as biodiversity hotspots and carbon sinks. Traditional practices include crop rotation, Jivamrita and Panchagavya formulations, the functional Kallanai dam (2nd century CE), stepwells, and vernacular passive cooling. Vedic waste management (1500–1000 BCE) embodies Ahimsa, austerity, recycling, and natural decomposition. South Asian per capita food waste (6–11 kg/year) is one-tenth that of North America and Europe (95–115 kg/year).