BHIE-143 Solved Assignment 2026
Section-1 Answer in about 500 words each.
What do you understand by the term 'Ecofeminism'? Elucidate with particular reference to Ecofeminism in the Indian context.
Throw light on the environmental movements in post-independence India.
Section-2 Answer in about 250 words each.
- How do you see man-environment relationship, interaction and interface during medieval India?
- Define 'Green Imperialism'. Assess the role of European colonialism towards Green Imperialism.
- How are environmental elements and components like forests, lakes etc. envisioned in Indian philosophy?
Section-3 Write short notes on each of the following in about 100 words each.
Environmental history
Role of water resources in river-valley civilizations during ancient India.
Animal hunting under East Indian Company.
Role of Greenpeace in environmental protection.
Tinai concept during Sangam age.
Answer:
Question:-1
What do you understand by the term 'Ecofeminism'? Elucidate with particular reference to Ecofeminism in the Indian context.
Answer:
1. Introduction to Ecofeminism
Ecofeminism is a dynamic philosophical and activist movement that links the subjugation of women to the degradation of the natural environment. Emerging in the late twentieth century, ecofeminism contends that the same patriarchal structures and value systems responsible for the historical oppression of women shape attitudes that permit and even encourage the exploitation of nature. At its heart, ecofeminism recognizes intertwined patterns of dominance: the hierarchical worldview that values control and conquest often manifests both in gender relations and in humankind's relationship with the natural world. This movement has thus become both an intellectual critique and a practical blueprint for social and ecological transformation.
2. Core Principles of Ecofeminism
Ecofeminist thought rests on the conviction that social justice and ecological health are inseparable. The movement argues that dualisms—such as culture/nature and man/woman—have been deeply embedded in societies, leading to the devaluation of traits and entities associated with the “feminine” (such as care, nurturing, and interconnectedness) in favor of aggression, dominance, and separation. Ecofeminism seeks to dismantle these dualisms, emphasizing empathy, cooperation, and the intrinsic worth of all forms of life. The critique extends to capitalism and other systems that reward exploitation, suggesting that only by reimagining value systems can humanity create sustainable and just societies.
Another foundational element of ecofeminism is the ethic of care. This approach advocates moving beyond an abstract rights-based relationship with nature towards one based on responsibility, stewardship, and mutual flourishing. Women’s traditional association with nurturing and care is here seen as a resource for envisioning new ways of living that resist domination of both people and the planet.
3. Ecofeminism in the Indian Context
India offers a vivid canvas for observing ecofeminism in theory and practice. The country’s rural landscape, where women have traditionally borne the brunt of both patriarchal control and environmental degradation, has given rise to powerful ecofeminist activism. One seminal example is the Chipko Movement, where rural women in Uttarakhand physically embraced trees to prevent deforestation, demonstrating both an intimate knowledge of ecological cycles and a deep commitment to protecting life-sustaining resources. Their actions highlighted the direct impact that environmental harm has on women’s daily lives and livelihoods.
Indian ecofeminism is marked by a unique melding of local cultural beliefs, spiritual traditions, and grassroots activism. In many indigenous and rural communities, women are viewed as custodians of seeds, forests, and water sources. This custodial role, while historically rooted in necessity and tradition, is increasingly recognized as a powerful form of environmental stewardship—a role that challenges both patriarchal and exploitative development narratives.
Contemporary feminist thinkers and activists in India have worked to integrate concerns about caste, class, and ethnicity into ecofeminist frameworks. Issues such as displacement due to large dams, pollution from industrial growth, and the erosion of indigenous knowledge systems are approached not just as environmental problems but as questions of justice for marginalized women. Literature, poetry, and art in India have also reflected ecofeminist themes, exploring the complex links between gender, land, and spiritual identity.
Conclusion
Ecofeminism stands as a transformative vision that reimagines humanity's relationship with both the earth and within itself. By challenging entrenched modes of domination, it brings to light the interconnectedness of gender justice and ecological sustainability. In the Indian context, ecofeminism manifests as both a theoretical lens and an active movement, shaped by the country’s unique social realities and ecological challenges. Rooted in lived experience and collective action, Indian ecofeminism weaves together traditions of stewardship, resistance, and renewal—offering not only critique but also hope for societies that honor both people and the planet.
Question:-2
Throw light on the environmental movements in post-independence India.
Answer:
1. Introduction to Environmental Movements in Post-Independence India
Post-independence India has witnessed profound transformations driven by rapid industrialization, population growth, and economic development. Amid these changes, environmental movements have emerged in response to the ecological consequences of such transformations. These movements, spearheaded by diverse sections of society, have challenged exploitative development paradigms, championed the rights of marginalized communities, and shaped public policy on ecology and sustainability. Their evolution reflects the country’s ongoing struggle to balance the imperatives of economic progress with the imperatives of environmental stewardship.
2. Origins and Early Struggles
The roots of environmental activism in India trace back to longstanding cultural traditions of reverence for nature. With independence, however, state-led development projects—large dams, industrial expansion, and modern agriculture—triggered ecological disruptions and displacement. The contradiction between development and conservation became increasingly pronounced. The early environmental movements often arose wherever forests, rivers, or lands faced threats from commercial exploitation. These early struggles were characterized by local resistance to policies perceived as indifferent to human and ecological costs.
3. Iconic Movements and Their Impact
The Chipko Movement: In the 1970s, the Chipko Movement in Uttarakhand became a watershed moment in India’s environmental consciousness. Villagers, particularly women, embraced trees to prevent their felling, exemplifying non-violent protest rooted in Gandhian principles. The movement highlighted the vital connection between ecological health and the well-being of rural communities, prompting policy shifts towards forest conservation.
Narmada Bachao Andolan: During the 1980s and 1990s, the Narmada Bachao Andolan galvanized widespread attention by opposing large dam projects on the Narmada River. This movement questioned the social, environmental, and ethical implications of displacing communities and submerging forests under the guise of development. It advanced debate on rehabilitation, environmental assessments, and participatory democracy.
Silent Valley Movement: In Kerala, the campaign to save the Silent Valley from a proposed hydroelectric project during the late 1970s signaled the merging of scientific expertise with grassroots activism. This movement preserved one of India’s last untouched tropical rainforests, establishing a precedent for ecologically sensitive decision-making.
Recent and Regional Movements: Across the country, multiple regional campaigns—against mining in Odisha’s Kashipur, industrial pollution in the Ganga, and commercial deforestation in the Western Ghats—have further broadened the scope of environmental action. Movements led by tribal communities, women, and youth consistently foreground the inseparability of social justice and environmental protection.
4. Shifts in Strategy and Expanding Horizons
Over the decades, the focus of environmental movements has evolved. While early campaigns emphasized immediate, tangible threats, later movements integrated broader concerns such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and equitable access to resources. Environmental activism in India has gradually extended from protest to partnership, seeking to influence legislative policy, participate in environmental impact assessments, and promote sustainable development models.
The increasing role of civil society organizations, public interest litigation, and the inclusion of environmental rights in constitutional provisions (such as Article 48A and Article 51A) reflect greater institutional recognition of ecological issues. Notably, India’s environmental movements have also been notable for advocating democratic participation and for foregrounding local knowledge in natural resource management.
Conclusion
Environmental movements in post-independence India represent a rich legacy of resistance, innovation, and public engagement. They have illuminated the complex interplay of nature and development, critiqued unsustainable practices, and defended the interests of vulnerable populations. Through their persistent efforts, these movements have nurtured a culture of ecological awareness, influenced national policies, and provided critical checks on unchecked growth. As India charts its path towards the future, the lessons drawn from these struggles remain central to envisioning development strategies that honor both the land and its people.
Question:-3
How do you see man-environment relationship, interaction and interface during medieval India?
Answer:
1. Understanding the Medieval Man-Environment Relationship
The man-environment relationship in medieval India was inherently complex, shaped by a tapestry of cultural, political, and economic dynamics. Societies during this period viewed nature not merely as a resource to be exploited, but as a living entity with which humans were intimately connected. This worldview manifested in diverse practices, ranging from sacred groves and protected forests to water management systems that showcased the adaptive ingenuity of communities.
Human Interaction with Natural Resources
Medieval India saw the rise and fall of various dynasties, each leaving a distinct imprint on the landscape. Royal patronage often involved the protection of forest tracts for religious and utilitarian reasons. Sacred groves were revered as abodes of deities, thus preserving biodiversity and regulating resource use. At the same time, rulers engaged in royal hunts—an assertion of authority over the land—demonstrating a duality in the relationship where reverence and domination coexisted. Agricultural expansion led to the transformation of forests into arable land, but such activities were frequently balanced by community norms that emphasized stewardship and sustainable usage of resources.
Interface of Culture, Religion, and Environment
Religion played a pivotal role in shaping environmental attitudes. Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions promoted the sanctity of rivers, trees, and mountains, encouraging conservation through spiritual prescriptions. Many temples and religious complexes acted as custodians of tanks, ponds, and groves, effectively institutionalizing environmental protection. The merging of cultural practices with ecological realities ensured that environmental ethics were gradually embedded in the social fabric.
Social Organisation and Environmental Management
Irrigation became sophisticated during medieval times, with the construction of stepwells, tanks, and canals, often funded by rulers or local communities. Such collective endeavors highlight how societies responded to environmental constraints with adaptive technologies. Grassroots arrangements for sharing water and forest resources underscored collaborative management and a keen awareness of ecological limits.
Conclusion
The relationship between man and environment in medieval India was marked by both utilization and reverence. Through the interplay of religion, tradition, and social organization, people learned to adapt to and shape their environment, forging a dynamic interface that balanced resource extraction with conservation. This nuanced interaction underscores the continuity of environmental consciousness embedded within India’s historical experience, offering lessons relevant even today.
Question:-4
Define 'Green Imperialism'. Assess the role of European colonialism towards Green Imperialism.
Answer:
1. Defining Green Imperialism
Green Imperialism refers to the imposition of environmental policies, norms, and agendas by powerful nations—often those in the Global North—upon countries in the Global South or previously colonized regions. This concept highlights a form of dominance where environmental concerns are used as justification for control over resources, economies, or policies of less powerful nations. Green Imperialism frequently occurs under the guise of global environmental protection, climate change mitigation, or biodiversity conservation but can result in the marginalization of local communities, restriction of indigenous practices, and unequal distribution of costs and benefits associated with conservation or sustainable development efforts.
Green Imperialism is a derivative of earlier ideas such as ecological imperialism, where colonial powers historically reshaped ecosystems, demography, and local economies for their benefit. In contemporary discourse, Green Imperialism draws attention to the way that well-intentioned environmental measures can perpetuate geopolitical and economic inequalities, disempowering host countries by overriding local priorities and knowledge systems.
2. European Colonialism and the Roots of Green Imperialism
European colonialism set the foundation for Green Imperialism by fundamentally altering the landscapes, societies, and economies of colonized regions. During the colonial period, European powers extracted resources and imposed practices such as plantation agriculture, forestry management, and game reserves that disregarded indigenous ecological knowledge and displaced local populations. Forests were often declared state property, and traditional land use was criminalized. The colonial narrative of “civilizing” or “managing” nature not only justified the exploitation of land for imperial gain but also appropriated and restructured indigenous environmental stewardship into bureaucratic and extractive systems.
This historical restructuring of environments and societies laid the groundwork for modern forms of environmental intervention, where the language of conservation, sustainability, or climate action may reproduce similar power dynamics. For example, the establishment of national parks and conservation areas, both in the colonial period and afterward, frequently resulted in the eviction of indigenous peoples with little regard for their cultural ties or contributions to biodiversity.
3. Assessment of European Colonialism’s Contribution to Green Imperialism
The legacy of European colonialism heavily informs the modern practices identified as Green Imperialism. Colonial environmental management prioritized the interests of the metropole, reorienting ecosystems to serve extractive economies while introducing legal and administrative systems that marginalized traditional users and knowledge. In the contemporary era, international environmental policies, development aid, and conservation programs—though ostensibly designed for global benefit—may echo colonial patterns by privileging external expertise and economic interests over local agency.
Current debates about climate finance, resource management, and renewable energy transitions exhibit similar tensions. Wealthy nations sometimes seek to secure access to land, minerals, or markets for green technologies in developing countries, reinforcing dependencies established under colonialism. Policies that restrict local use of natural resources in the name of global environmental protection can disproportionately burden communities with historical experiences of dispossession and exploitation.
Conclusion
Green Imperialism encapsulates the contradictions inherent in attempting to solve global environmental problems through top-down or externally imposed solutions that disregard local rights, histories, and priorities. While European colonialism’s environmental interventions served the interests of imperial powers at the expense of colonized peoples and environments, these dynamics persist in new forms within global efforts to address ecological crises. Understanding Green Imperialism thus requires grappling with the longue durée of colonial power, questioning whose interests shape environmental agendas, and seeking more just and inclusive pathways to global sustainability.
Question:-5
How are environmental elements and components like forests, lakes etc. envisioned in Indian philosophy?
Answer:
1. Introduction: The Holistic Vision of Nature in Indian Philosophy
Indian philosophy envisions environmental elements like forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains not as inert resources but as living entities interwoven with human existence. This outlook is deeply rooted in the ancient texts and traditions, shaping a worldview wherein nature possesses intrinsic value and participates in the moral and spiritual fabric of life. The interconnectedness between the natural world and human society is central, with environmental elements often personified and revered as sacred, thereby fostering respect, responsibility, and stewardship.
2. Forests, Lakes, and Rivers as Sacred and Living Beings
Forests are regarded as sanctuaries of biodiversity and spirituality within Indian thought. Sacred groves, known as "devavan" or "kavu," are preserved through religious customs and communal taboos, reflecting a belief in the sanctity and divine residence within these lands. Many forests are associated with specific deities or spirits, and their protection is intrinsic to local religious practice. The recognition of forests as life-givers instilled a duty of care and sustainable use across generations.
Lakes, rivers, and water bodies also hold a hallowed place in Indian philosophy. Rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are venerated as goddesses, embodying both physical sustenance and spiritual purification. Rituals such as bathing in rivers, offering prayers by their banks, and the celebration of festivals demonstrate the reverence accorded to water bodies. This perspective cultivates an ingrained ethic of respect and discourages their pollution or desecration.
3. Philosophical Foundations: Harmony, Duty, and Interconnectedness
Vedic and Upanishadic literature emphasize harmony with nature, stating that all beings—human, animal, and plant—share a single cosmic reality. This vision is echoed in the doctrine of "vasudhaiva kutumbakam," meaning the world is one family, where the well-being of each element is critical to the whole. The concept of dharma (duty) is extended to include the responsible use and protection of natural resources. Manusmriti and Arthashastra articulate duties toward forests, water bodies, and animals, embedding conservation within the ethical and social order.
Religious texts and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata abound with stories that venerate nature and warn against its wanton destruction. The philosophical tradition thus combines ethical prescriptions, spiritual reverence, and practical guidelines for environmental care.
4. Practical Expressions: Ritual, Custom, and Environmental Conservation
Indian philosophy manifests its environmental vision through a variety of cultural practices—worship of trees like the peepal and banyan, safeguarding of groves as divine abodes, and maintaining water bodies through local management systems. Festivals often celebrate the cycles of seasons and harvests, reinforcing the connection between community welfare and ecological balance.
The tradition of considering Mother Earth (Prithvi Mata) as a nurturing force further reinforces attitudes of gratitude and moderation. Across historic periods, these beliefs translated into everyday norms that limited overexploitation and nurtured coexistence.
Conclusion
In Indian philosophy, environmental elements are not merely material assets but vital participants in a cosmic order that balances the physical, ethical, and spiritual needs of life. Forests, lakes, rivers, and other elements are revered as sacred and living, entwined with both divine presence and human responsibility. This holistic and reverential view fosters a tradition of conservation, stewardship, and harmony that continues to shape ecological attitudes and practices in Indian society.
Question:-6
Environmental history
Answer:
1. Understanding Environmental History
Environmental history is the study of the interactions between humans and the natural world across different periods. This discipline moves beyond just cataloguing past environmental events, instead analyzing how societies have shaped—and been shaped by—forests, rivers, climate, and biodiversity. It draws from multiple fields, using methods from ecology, geography, archaeology, and traditional history to build a comprehensive understanding of these relationships.
2. Scope and Significance
The scope of environmental history is broad, encompassing the evolution of landscapes due to human activity, the impact of population growth, technological changes, and the development of policies affecting the environment. It also pays attention to natural factors like climatic shifts, diseases, and disasters, exploring how these have influenced economies, cultures, and political structures. By doing so, environmental history connects human stories with natural processes, revealing the mutual dependence of society and environment.
3. Contemporary Relevance
Environmental history provides crucial insights for addressing today’s ecological challenges. By tracing the roots of current environmental crises—such as biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and climate change—it helps explain why certain problems persist and why some solutions succeed or fail. Understanding these patterns enriches modern approaches to conservation, sustainable development, and policy-making, emphasizing that human and ecological futures are inseparable.
Question:-7
Role of water resources in river-valley civilizations during ancient India.
Answer:
1. Centrality of Water Resources in Ancient River-Valley Civilizations
Water resources were fundamental to the rise and sustenance of river-valley civilizations in ancient India, notably along the Indus, Saraswati, and Ganga river systems. Fertile alluvial soils arising from regular flooding supported surplus agricultural production, enabling the growth of dense urban settlements and complex social structures. Reliable access to water not only determined the location and prosperity of these civilizations but also shaped their technological and cultural advancements.
2. Innovations in Water Management and Urban Infrastructure
The civilizations of the Indus Valley, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, exemplified sophisticated water management. They engineered extensive networks of wells, reservoirs, drainage systems, and bathhouses, reflecting a high level of urban planning and hygiene awareness. Collective management of water helped regulate irrigation, ensured potable supplies, and safeguarded agricultural yields. The harnessing of river waters for irrigation transformed arid landscapes into productive farmlands, securing food stability and enabling trade.
3. Shaping Society, Economy, and Culture
Dependence on rivers fostered cooperative social institutions for the maintenance and fair allocation of water. Waterways facilitated transport and commercial exchanges, knitting together settlements and supporting economic vitality. Ritual and cultural practices placed water at the center of spiritual life, symbolizing purity and abundance, and rivers were venerated as divine entities. Resource scarcity or changes in river patterns, such as declining monsoons, often precipitated societal challenges or even the decline of once-prosperous settlements.
4. Enduring Legacy
The techniques and values established by ancient Indian river-valley civilizations in harnessing and revering water resources left a lasting legacy, influencing later periods of Indian history and contributing to resilient water culture. Their achievements in water engineering and collective management underscore the essential and transformative role of water in shaping the story of civilization itself.
Question:-8
Animal hunting under East Indian Company.
Answer:
1. Introduction to Animal Hunting under the East India Company
Animal hunting underwent significant transformation under the rule of the East India Company in India. Traditionally, hunting in pre-colonial India was intertwined with courtly culture, spiritual beliefs, and subsistence practices. The advent of the East India Company brought about a marked shift, turning hunting into both a symbol of colonial power and a form of elite recreation.
2. Colonial Attitudes and Institutionalization
The East India Company institutionalized hunting as a display of dominance and prestige. Company officials, emulating European aristocratic norms, pursued large-scale hunting of tigers, elephants, deer, and other wildlife, often for sport rather than sustenance. This colonial practice not only reinforced their authority over Indian territories but also showcased their capacity to conquer and control nature itself. Trophy hunting became a hallmark of the colonial elite, with organized expeditions and game hunts gaining prominence.
3. Impact on Wildlife and Environment
The systematic and recreational approach to hunting introduced by the East India Company accelerated the depletion of animal populations across forests and plains. The unchecked killing of elephants, tigers, and other large mammals disturbed ecological balances and contributed to a decline in biodiversity. As Company officers and their associates relied increasingly on firearms and organized drives, traditional hunting practices and taboos that contributed to local conservation were eroded. Additionally, the commodification of wildlife—such as the trade in ivory, hides, and other animal products—further intensified exploitation.
4. Socio-Political Consequences
The transformation of hunting also had notable social consequences. Many Indian forest communities and local rulers lost their customary rights to hunt as large tracts of forest came under Company control for timber exploitation, game reserves, or administrative management. This exclusion contributed to broader patterns of dispossession and alienation. Simultaneously, local expertise in tracking and hunting animals was appropriated to serve colonial hunts, reducing indigenous agency to subordinate roles.
Conclusion
Animal hunting under the East India Company symbolized both the assertion of colonial rule and the commodification of India’s natural wealth. The Company’s hunting practices disrupted ecological systems, diminished wildlife populations, and altered the social fabric of rural communities. This legacy of overexploitation and authority over nature set the stage for later conservation efforts during the British Raj, but not before inflicting lasting harm on India’s fauna and indigenous rights.
Question:-9
Role of Greenpeace in environmental protection.
Answer:
1. Introduction to Greenpeace’s Role
Greenpeace is a leading international environmental organization recognized for its advocacy, activism, and influence in shaping global environmental consciousness. Since its origin in the early 1970s, Greenpeace has remained at the forefront of championing ecological protection, combining public campaigns, scientific research, and direct action to address pressing environmental threats. The group’s unique approach centers on raising awareness, exposing environmental abuses, and promoting solutions on issues such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and ocean conservation.
2. Key Strategies and Areas of Influence
Greenpeace utilizes a variety of methods to enact change. Through high-visibility campaigns and non-violent protests, the organization draws public attention to environmental degradation caused by industries, governments, and unsustainable practices. Their use of media, impactful imagery, and grassroots mobilization has galvanized citizens globally, making environmental protection a matter of public debate and concern.
In addition, Greenpeace actively lobbies for policy reforms and stricter regulations, pressing governments and multinational corporations to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Scientific research underpins their advocacy, providing credible evidence to support their positions and challenge harmful activities such as overfishing, deforestation, and excessive fossil fuel use.
3. Impact on Environmental Protection
Greenpeace has been instrumental in the formulation and implementation of landmark environmental agreements and policies. The organization’s efforts have resulted in bans on harmful substances, moratoriums on commercial whaling, and increased regulation of hazardous chemicals. In India, for instance, Greenpeace has played a major role in highlighting issues such as air pollution and coal-based energy, pressuring authorities to act more responsibly through campaigns and legal action.
On the global stage, Greenpeace continues to champion the transition towards renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and protection of endangered habitats. By empowering local communities and fostering international collaboration, the organization’s work embodies a commitment to long-term environmental health and justice.
Conclusion
Greenpeace has established itself as a powerful catalyst for environmental protection through its steadfast advocacy, innovative campaigns, and commitment to public engagement. By confronting environmental challenges head-on and promoting sustainable solutions, Greenpeace advances the cause of ecological preservation and inspires global action for a healthier planet.
Question:-10
Tinai concept during Sangam age.
Answer:
1. Introduction to the Tinai Concept
The Tinai concept during the Sangam age was a foundational ecological and literary classification system embedded in ancient Tamil thought. It categorized the landscape into distinct ecological zones, each associated with specific flora, fauna, climatic conditions, human activities, and emotional themes in poetry. The idea reflected the deep-seated belief in the interconnection between environment and human experience, underscoring the influence of geography and ecology on society, culture, and literature.
2. The Five Tinais and Their Associations
The Sangam literature describes five main Tinais: Kurinji (mountainous and hilly regions), Mullai (forested and pastoral tracts), Marutham (fertile agricultural plains), Neithal (coastal and seashore areas), and Palai (arid and desert-like zones). Each Tinai was characterized by its distinct landscape, with Kurinji corresponding to hilly regions and themes of secret love, Mullai to forests and patience, Marutham to farmlands and domestic love, Neithal to the sea and longing, and Palai to dry land and hardship. The everyday lives, occupations, and emotions of people were intricately linked to these ecological contexts, and Sangam poets skillfully reflected this in their verses.
3. Cultural and Philosophical Significance
The Tinai concept went beyond mere geographical classification; it unified nature, human society, and artistic expression. Rituals, customs, and occupations were influenced by the Tinai in which a community lived. This holistic ecological awareness promoted respect for natural diversity and fostered harmony between humans and their environment. The Tinais’ integration into poetry ensured that literature not only mirrored nature’s beauty and challenges but also conveyed ethical and emotional values shaped by the land.
Conclusion
The Tinai concept of the Sangam age exemplifies the sophisticated ecological sensibility of ancient Tamil culture. By celebrating and codifying the intricate link between landscape, livelihood, and literature, the Tinais offered a unique model of environmental ethic and cultural identity. Their legacy endures in the continued reverence for nature and the poetic tradition in Tamil society.
