Indian Cultural Sustainability: An efficient past for effective futures

Issue #009, 2022                                                                              ISSN: 2581- 9410 Age-old practices of the natural world were not confined to science. Human societies across the globe have developed rich sets of experiences and explanations relating to the environments they live in. Practices that have emerged from these experiences are today often referred to as traditional knowledge or indigenous knowledge or local knowledge or traditional wisdom. Such local knowledge is unique to a culture or a society. Often rooted within this traditional wisdom is the principle of conscious living, which is today widely referred to as sustainability. Sustainability at its core may well be summarized as an empathetic relationship between man and nature. India, as a country with rich culture and diversity has been a conservative community in terms of living and lifestyle. The once dominant ancient Vedic culture prescribed practices that were embedded as cultural norms. The traditions that emerged from these practices though showcase regional diversity often blend into homogenous beliefs. Supplemented by religious/ ritualistic beliefs, it may be observed that these practices dominantly featured ground rules of sustainability such as preserving, conserving, reuse, recycle, hand-made or use of natural raw materials etc. Textiles play an overarching role in transmitting culture through visual reference of material and techniques. Traditionally Indian textile practices have dominantly featured an organic flair to enhance visual cha...