IMPACT OF CULTURE ON BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: A REVIEW FROM HINDU MYTHOLOGY

IMPACT OF CULTURE ON BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: A REVIEW FROM HINDU MYTHOLOGY

Author(s): 
Khan Imran Y D - Research Scholar, Department of Zoology, Bangalore University, Bangalore- 560 056, Karnataka, INDIA. and Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural resources, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore- 560072 , Karnataka, In
Nautiyal Sunil - Professor, Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural resources, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - 560072 Email: sunil@isec.ac.in
Bhaskar K - Research Scholar, Department of Botany, Bharatiyar University, Coimbatore, Tamilanadu, INDIA.
Rashmi K P - Researcher, Bangalore-560072, Karnataka, India

This paper focuses on the role of Hindu cultural beliefs in conserving biodiversity.  Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world and which is followed in India and Nepal. And this religion is closely associated theoretically and traditionally with other religions Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The view regarding conservation of nature is high in Hinduism. According to Hindu Scriptures everything in universe is made up of five elements called as “Panchabhuta” (Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Space). The conservation of these five elements is necessary for long term sustainability. Hinduism mainly focuses on these elements. These five elements are respected by Hinduism.  Not only are these five elements, each and every organism in this planet earth respected by Hinduism. According to Ishopanishad “This universe is the creation of the supreme power meant for the benefit of all His creations. Individual species must, therefore, learn to enjoy its benefits by forming a part of the system in close relation with other species. Let not only one species encroach upon the other’s rights”. Above lines are shows how Hinduism plays a major role in conserving biodiversity. Hinduism celebrates so many festivals which were related to nature and these festivals also depend on seasons which were the part of nature. And gods worshipped in Hindu religion are symbolic of different organisms.  The main aim of this paper is to understand the role of Hindu sculpture for conserving biodiversity. There are several evidences are showing positive links between cultural and spiritual aspects towards biodiversity conservation.  The methodology followed was reviewing of Upanisads, Bhagavadgeeta and other mythological books of Hinduism. And we approached various age group peoples to understand their views regarding cultural and spiritual aspects of biodiversity conservation.  Most of the elderly people perceived, there are rituals and rules in Hinduism which are pro towards conservation of biodiversity.