Understanding Interrelationship of Man and Environment: Tribal Perspective

Abstract The interrelationship between humans and the environment is an increasingly significant topic, especially in the context of today's environmental crisis. Tribes, often considered the most closely connected to their natural surroundings, provide valuable insights into this relationship. This paper aims to explore the Santal tribal philosophy of the interrelationship between humans and the environment, focusing on the role of both living and non-living phenomena. Environmentalists often emphasize the importance of living entities, such as plants, animals, and ecosystems, in maintaining ecological balance. However, tribal cultures extend this understanding to include non-living phenomena like rocks, rivers, trees, and even the weather. Central to the tribal worldview is the belief in an unseen, supernatural force that binds all these elements together. This force is commonly known as Bonga by Santal tribe, this term is used in Santal tribal culture to refer to a spirit or power that governs the natural world. The tribal philosophy of the interrelationship between man and the environment highlights the importance of a holistic worldview that encompasses both living and non-living elements. The unseen supernatural power of Bonga reinforces the interconnectedness of all things, guiding tribal people to live in balance with the earth and to value the environment not just for its resources, but for its intrinsic spiritual significance.