Research Pancha-Mahabhutas and Environmental Ethics: Re-imagining Ecological Consciousness through Vedic Cosmology and Indian Environmental Thought

Abstract: The urgent ecological challenges of the twenty-first century invite scholars to explore new environmental paradigms that move beyond traditional anthropocentric models of development. At the same time, contemporary environmental ethics has largely emerged from Western philosophical traditions; ancient Indian intellectual systems offer rich ecological perspectives that emphasise the interconnectedness of humans and nature. This paper highlights the concept of Pancha-Mahabhutas—Earth (Prithvi), Water (Apas), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akasha)—as a foundational ecological philosophy rooted in Vedic cosmology, which continues to resonate through Indian literature and cultural practices. By examining sources such as Vedic hymns, epics, folklore, and modern literature, this study illustrates that environmental consciousness has historically been integrated into daily life as an ethical principle rather than imposed as an external regulation. By contextualizing this elemental philosophy within contemporary discussions of deep ecology and posthumanism, the article reveals that Indian cosmological thought not only aligns with modern ecological holism but also challenges notions of human exceptionalism. Ultimately, revisiting the Pancha-Mahabhuta framework can provide valuable ethical and philosophical insights that are essential for addressing climate change, ecological degradation, and sustainability challenges in our current Anthropocene era.