Archive · 28 Sep 2025
Disconnect: India's Lost Ecological Bond with Animals
Long ago, people in India felt very connected to animals, like they were family.
They had special names (gothras) linked to animals, and protected those animals.
They also worshiped animal deities.
But over time, things changed.
New rules, city life, and focusing on money made people forget these old ways.
People started using animals for products rather than respecting them.
Stories and traditions were also forgotten, leading to less connection with nature.
Now, it's important to remember and restore these connections.
Bharatiyatha traditionally fostered a strong bond between humans, animals, and the divine.
Janjati communities had clan names associated with animals, with clan members protecting associated species.
Families and individuals worshiped animal-form Karana Devathas, or guardian deities.
Each deity had a vehicle (Vahana), often an animal, symbolizing ecological ties.
Colonialism, industrialization, consumerism, and the decline of oral traditions have weakened this bond.
- Who
- People of Bharatiyatha, Janjatis
- What
- The weakening of the traditional bond between humans, animals, and the divine.
- When
- Over centuries, but especially with colonialism and industrialization.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Due to colonial policies, urbanization, consumerism, and the erosion of oral traditions.
- Theme
- Human-animal relationship in Bharatiyatha
- Key Concepts
- Gothras, Karana Devatha, Vahana tradition
- Examples
- Gonds, Santhals, Todas
- Reason for Disconnect
- Colonialism, Industrialization, Consumerism, Erosion of Traditions