How do you see man-environment relationship, interaction and interface during medieval India?

Man-environment relationship, interaction and interface during medieval India:

Policy and Laws in Ancient India Environmental awareness can be said to have existed even in the prevedic Indian valley Civilization which flourished in northern India about 5,000 years ago. This is evident from the archaeological evidence gathered from Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro which were the prominent cities of the civilization. Their awareness about hygiene and sanitation as evident from their constructions of ventilated houses, orderly streets, numerous wells, bath rooms, public baths and covered underground drains.

Protection and cleaning up of environment was the essence of Vedic culture. Charak Samhita give many instructions for the use of water for maintaining its purity. Under the Arthashastra (an ancient book on statecraft, economic policy and military strategy), various punishments were prescribed for cutting trees, damaging forests, and for killing animals and environmental ethics of nature conservation were not only applicable to common man but the rulers and kings were also bound by them. Policy and Laws in Medieval India To Mughal rulers, forest meant no more than woodlands where they could hunt.

The history of medieval India is dominated by Muslim Rulers where no note worthy development of environmental jurisprudence took place except during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar. During Akbar's rule except rulers others are prohibited from hunting or shikar. But no major initiatives took place during medieval period to prevent environmental protection and conservation of natural resources as the rulers were only interested in war, religion propagation and empire building.

Chanakya's reference to vikriti (pollution), warns people regarding the side effects of impurity in air and polluted water. Similarly in the Quran, reference is made regarding the environment which says-"Do not make mischief on the earth". Christians baptize a newborn child in the water, which denotes 'purification from original sins'. In Buddhism, Gautam Buddha was fond of trees and stated that trees provide shade and shelter. He preached in Vanaropa Sutra in Sanyukta Nikaya.

According to the official visitor's site, "The ancient system to protect and manage the woodlands and wilderness heaths is still in place today through the efforts of Verderers, Agisters and Commoners — literally the judges, stockmen and land users of the forest. 1150 — Sri Lankan King Nissanka Malla carved into a stone a decree stating that, "It is ordered, by beat of the drum, that no animals should be killed within a radius of seven gau from the city" of Anuradhapura, his capitol. The decree combined consideration for animal welfare with concerns about public health and sanitation, and about the emotional effect on children of witnessing slaughter.

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