Abstract : This paper revisits and richly expands the comparative study of ancient Indian and global Indigenous approaches to sustainability, illuminating their shared ethos of harmony between people and Nature. We examine how ancient Indian wisdom – rooted in scriptures, spiritual practices, and community traditions – aligns with diverse Indigenous worldviews worldwide. Both frameworks emphasize respect, reciprocity, and interconnectedness as ethical cornerstones of sustainable living. Through a comprehensive literature review and qualitative thematic analysis, we contrast philosophical foundations, spiritual values, and practical environmental practices across cultures. For instance, ancient texts like the Vedas articulate reverence for Panchabh?tas (the five elements) and nonviolence (ahi?s?) toward all beings, while many Indigenous peoples speak of Earth as “Mother” and manage resources through customary laws and taboos. Modern scholarship increasingly recognizes that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) inherently embody many Sustainable Development Goals, guiding biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and community well-being. Yet these wisdom traditions were long marginalized by colonial and technocratic paradigms. We highlight recent shifts: global policy platforms (IPBES, UNFCCC’s Local Communities & Indigenous Peoples’ Platform, etc.) now acknowledge Indigenous knowledge as a vital resource for climate action and biodiversity protection. In addition, we frame “decolonial” approaches that seek to integrate Indigenous insights into sustainability science, moving beyond tokenism to genuine co-learning. By weaving together illustrative examples – from sacred groves and agroforestry to community-led climate adaptation – this narrative underscores that sustainability is as much a moral and spiritual question as it is technical. A relational ethic emerges as a common thread: viewing humans as part of an extended kinship that includes forests, waters, and future generations. This integrative perspective enriches academic discourse and offers guidance for education, policy, and practice aimed at achieving just and regenerative futures for all.
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Cite : Verma, A. (2026). Comparative Analysis of Ancient Indian and Global Indigenous Sustainability Frameworks (1st ed., pp. 67-77). Noble Science Press. https://noblesciencepress.org/chapter/nspebgtrdbaip2026ch-07
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