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Society and Environment in India: NBSE Class 11
Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 3 “Society and Environment in India” which is part of NBSE Class 11 Environment Education. However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The chapter discusses the relationship between society and the environment in India, highlighting the country’s rich tradition of environmental conservation. Indian philosophy views nature as a living entity, emphasizing a relationship of mutual respect rather than dominance. Ancient Indian culture integrated environmental ethics into daily life, where rituals and traditions reinforced the need for environmental preservation.
Tribal communities play a crucial role in environmental conservation. They possess deep knowledge of soil and land management, as well as sustainable agricultural practices. These tribes, particularly in regions like Nagaland, maintain a close connection with nature, ensuring the conservation of their rich biodiversity.
The concept of sacred groves in India, known as Panchavati, is introduced as an example of environmental conservation. These groves, protected for centuries due to their association with deities and spirits, are vital for preserving biodiversity. They serve as refuges for endangered species and are crucial for water conservation, as they often contain water resources that sustain nearby communities. The loss of sacred groves due to modern development and the erosion of traditional practices is a concern, but efforts are being made to protect and revive them.
The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is highlighted for their dedication to environmental protection. Following the teachings of Guru Jambeshwar, they practice non-violence, vegetarianism, and strict conservation of plants and animals. The Bishnoi are famous for their sacrifice in the 18th century to protect Khejri trees from being cut down, demonstrating their deep commitment to the environment.
The chapter also covers traditional methods of rainwater harvesting in India, which have been crucial in managing water resources in a country with uneven rainfall distribution. These traditional practices are being revived to address modern water scarcity issues, with government and community initiatives promoting rainwater harvesting and forest conservation.
Textbook solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. What is Nagaland’s biggest wealth?
A. Industries
B. Jewellery
C. Crops
D. Forests
Answer: D. Forests
2. Name given to the traditional agricultural knowledge is
A. Mutte
B. Agni
C. Krishi-Vidya
D. Bhoomi-Vidya
Answer: A. Mutte
3. How many tribes have inhabited Nagaland?
A. 16
B. 3
C. 24
D. 50
Answer: A. 16
4. Which of the following tribes has inhabited Kohima in Nagaland?
A. Phom
B. Lotha
C. Konyak
D. Angami
Answer: D. Angami
5. Which of the following is not a traditional method of rainwater harvesting in India?
A. Tanka
B. Bishnoi
C. Zing
D. Zabo
Answer: B. Bishnoi
Short Answer Questions
1. Define conservation.
Answer: Conservation is the preservation of some level of biodiversity that is essential for the functioning of the ecosystem and the survival of mankind.
2. What are the earth and sky worshipped as in Indian culture?
Answer: Earth is worshipped as mother goddess while sky is worshipped as father in Indian culture.
3. What is mutte?
Answer: Mutte is the name given to the body of traditional agricultural knowledge that only spiritual leaders can possess. It is a range of agricultural practices written on palm leaves.
4. What is rainwater harvesting?
Answer: Rainwater harvesting is merely “putting back rainwater into the soil, where it will be stored in underground reservoirs and rivers, so that we can draw on it whenever we need it.”
5. List four different methods of Rainwater harvesting.
Answer:
(i) Kere in Deccan plateau and coastal plains. (ii) Koramby in flood-prone coastal plains and deltas of rivers. (iii) Surangan in Kerala. (iv) Kulam in coastal district of Kerala.
6. Write briefly about Bishnois way of conservation.
Answer: The Bishnois of Rajasthan, India, have lately come to the attention of diverse scholarly and activist communities as an example of ecologically aware people who, for generations, have been practising environmental conservation, holistic science, and what today would be termed wise resource management. The Bishnois are followers of Guru Jambeshwar who articulated 29 principles of morality and conduct. His followers were enjoined to have compassion for all living beings, give up all intoxicants, swear by tenets of ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truth), and adhere to a vegetarian diet. Bishnois have been known to sacrifice their lives to protect trees, as demonstrated in A.D. 1730 when 363 people gave up their lives to protect the Khejri trees in their villages.
7. What are “Pan-indian” groves?
Answer: “Pan-Indian” groves are sacred groves that involve people from many parts of the country to see the cultural identity of the communities that revere and protect them.
Long Answer Questions
1. What is the importance of sacred groves of India?
Answer: The importance of sacred groves are:
(i) They are often the last refuge for endemic and endangered plant and animal species.
(ii) They are storehouses of medicinal plants valuable to village communities as well as modern pharmacopoeia.
(iii) They contain wild relatives of crop species that can help to improve cultivated varieties.
(iv) They also provide for the water needs of nearby communities.
(v) Many sacred groves contain water resources such as ponds and streams, and the vegetative mass that covers the floor of a grove can absorb water during rainy seasons and release it during times of drought.
(vi) Trees also improve soil stability, prevent topsoil erosion and provide irrigation for agriculture in drier climates.
2. How has Indian culture emphasised that man must live in harmony with nature?
Answer: Indian culture has emphasised that man must live in harmony with nature by integrating environmental ethics with the Indian way of life. Ancient scriptures and seers have provided a system of moral guidelines towards environmental preservation and conservation. These principles were practiced by common people as well as by rulers and kings. The Indian theory of nature and ecology, influenced by the theory of creation, asserts that every element, object, and living being in the universe is created by the same supreme being. Indians believe in a relationship of mutual respect and kindness with nature rather than dominance and subjugation. Rituals have been institutionalised to highlight the importance of various components of the environment, ensuring that even the non-living world is treated with care and harmony. For example, fire is conceived as a messenger of God, earth as mother goddess, and the sky is worshipped as father.
3. Who are the Bishnois? What views do they hold about environmental protection?
Answer: The Bishnois are followers of Guru Jambeshwar, who was born in 1451. The community largely resides around the city of Jodhpur and in neighbouring districts of western Rajasthan, with small communities in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. The Bishnois are an example of ecologically aware people who have been practicing environmental conservation, holistic science, and wise resource management for generations. Guru Jambeshwar articulated 29 principles of morality and conduct, which include compassion for all living beings, giving up all intoxicants, adhering to non-violence (ahimsa) and truth (satya), and following a vegetarian diet. The Bishnois believe that flora and fauna should be protected, and it is said that even in times of severe drought, the black buck and Indian gazelle could find food and water wherever Bishnois lived. Their views about environmental protection are rooted in their religious and cultural practices, which prioritize the protection of all forms of life.
4. How have tribals contributed to environmental conservation?
Answer: Tribals have contributed to environmental conservation by integrating their cultural practices, festivals, and ceremonies with natural resource protection programs. They have special knowledge of soil conservation and land management, which is passed down through spiritual leaders who test soils by colour, weight, and taste, and know specific plants that prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and provide green manure. Tribal communities celebrate rituals related to grain conservation and ensure that individual members follow the rules for conserving food grains. Traditional agricultural knowledge, known as Mutte, is preserved by spiritual leaders and recorded on palm leaves. This knowledge includes a range of agricultural practices that are also preserved in the form of dance and music. Tribes in various parts of India have carried on the tradition and philosophy of living in harmony with nature for ages.
5. Why has there been a tradition of water harvesting in India?
Answer: There has been a tradition of water harvesting in India due to the irregular rainfall pattern, which is highly variable in space and time. Most of the rainfall in India is concentrated during the first few months of the year and in a few regions, with about 70% of the rainfall occurring in just four months. This has forced Indians to develop and perfect the art of water harvesting, which is more than two millennia old. Evidence of this tradition is found in ancient texts, inscriptions, and archaeological remains. The tradition of water harvesting in India has been essential for managing water resources in areas with scarce and erratic rainfall, ensuring that communities have access to water even during times of drought. Rainwater harvesting has been a cost-effective and efficient way of water management, and many regions in India have traditional methods of harvesting rainwater, tailored to their specific ecological conditions.
6. How are sacred groves of India and traditional rainwater harvesting systems faring today?
Answer: Sacred groves in many parts of India have been destroyed over the past century to make way for development projects such as railroads, highways, and dams. In many places, the government has ignored local communities’ customary management rights and allowed commercial forestry operations or encroachment by people who do not respect traditional practices. Some “pan-Indian” groves are burdened by large numbers of tourists and pilgrims. The loss of traditional wisdom and practices is also a concern, as westernised urban culture and the expanding market economy have led many communities to lose their conservation practices and destroy resources in their sacred groves. Despite these challenges, many conservationists and communities, along with government and non-governmental organisations, have realised the importance of protecting India’s sacred groves and traditional rainwater harvesting systems. Efforts are being made to integrate traditional wisdom into modern systems, and the cause of protecting these ecological treasures has been gradually gaining attention. Traditional rainwater harvesting systems have seen a decline due to the shift towards large dams, canals, and public water systems. However, there has been a revival of traditional systems in places like Sukhomajri in the Shivalik hills and Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra, which have transformed from poverty to plenty through the restoration of traditional water harvesting practices.
Extras MCQs
1. What is the main goal of conservation according to environmentalists?
A. To preserve biodiversity
B. To promote industrial development
C. To increase urbanization
D. To eliminate all forms of wildlife
Answer: A. To preserve biodiversity
Q. Which two species from Nagaland are recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records?
A. The tallest oak tree and the tallest sunflower
B. The tallest bamboo and the largest cactus
C. The tallest rice plant and the tallest rhododendron
D. The largest apple tree and the biggest flower
Answer: C. The tallest rice plant and the tallest rhododendron
Q. What does the Indian theory of nature and ecology emphasise about man’s relationship with nature?
A. Dominance over nature
B. Mutual respect and kindness
C. Exploitation of natural resources
D. Isolation from nature
Answer: B. Mutual respect and kindness
Q. According to Indian tradition, what is considered a fundamental duty of man?
A. Expanding agricultural land
B. Protecting the environment
C. Dominating other species
D. Increasing population growth
Answer: B. Protecting the environment
Q. In Indian culture, which element is often worshipped as a mother goddess?
A. Fire
B. Water
C. Earth
D. Air
Answer: C. Earth
Q. What is the role of fire in Indian environmental rituals?
A. It is considered a source of life
B. It is used to clear land for farming
C. It is seen as a messenger of God
D. It represents destruction
Answer: C. It is seen as a messenger of God
Q. What is the name of the body of traditional agricultural knowledge in tribal communities?
A. Mutte
B. Sari
C. Totem
D. Karma
Answer: A. Mutte
Q. How do the tribal communities of the Eastern Ghats contribute to environmental conservation?
A. By developing new industrial methods
B. By integrating cultural practices with natural resource protection
C. By ignoring traditional knowledge
D. By solely relying on modern technology
Answer: B. By integrating cultural practices with natural resource protection
Q. Which tribe in Nagaland is known for its location in mountainous terrains?
A. Angami
B. Chang
C. Phom
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Q. What is prohibited and punishable in the context of tree conservation according to Indian tradition?
A. Cutting green trees
B. Planting new trees
C. Watering plants
D. Using wood for rituals
Answer: A. Cutting green trees
Q. What does the term Panchavati mean?
A. A grove with five trees
B. A forest with ten trees
C. A grove with three types of trees
D. A forest with two types of trees
Answer: A. A grove with five trees
Q. When was Guru Jambeshwar, the founder of the Bishnoi community, born?
A. 1451
B. 1730
C. 1500
D. 1550
Answer: A. 1451
Q. How many sacred groves have been reported in various regions of India?
A. 10,000
B. 13,720
C. 50,000
D. 100,000
Answer: B. 13,720
Q. In which year was the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary established?
A. 1980
B. 1990
C. 1998
D. 2000
Answer: C. 1998
Q. What practice is associated with the Bishnoi community’s way of life?
A. Cutting down trees
B. Protecting animals and plants
C. Intensive hunting
D. Using modern farming techniques
Answer: B. Protecting animals and plants
Q. Which city is located near the region where the Bishnoi community is primarily found?
A. Jaipur
B. Udaipur
C. Jodhpur
D. Bikaner
Answer: C. Jodhpur
Q. What major environmental issue is associated with Cherrapunji despite its high annual rainfall?
A. Soil erosion
B. Deforestation
C. Water shortage
D. Flooding
Answer: C. Water shortage
Q. Which Naga village is known for banning logging and hunting?
A. Mokokchung
B. Kohima
C. Khonoma
D. Phek
Answer: C. Khonoma
Q. What traditional village institution in Uttar Pradesh manages forests through elected representatives?
A. Gram Panchayat
B. Van Panchayat
C. Forest Department
D. Joint Forest Management
Answer: B. Van Panchayat
Q. Which movement in India is associated with local communities protecting forests and taking up afforestation programmes?
A. Chipko movement
B. Swadeshi movement
C. Green Revolution
D. Quit India movement
Answer: A. Chipko movement
Q. In which Indian region is the bamboo drip irrigation system traditionally used?
A. Rajasthan
B. Kerala
C. Nagaland
D. Gujarat
Answer: C. Nagaland
Q. What are sacred groves considered in terms of biodiversity?
A. Natural parks
B. Biodiversity hotspots
C. Commercial forests
D. Endangered species zones
Answer: B. Biodiversity hotspots
Q. Which rainwater harvesting system is traditionally used in the flood-prone coastal plains and deltas of rivers?
A. Kere
B. Koramby
C. Zing
D. Tanka
Answer: B. Koramby
Q. Which group in Rajasthan is known for practising environmental conservation and wise resource management?
A. Marathas
B. Rajputs
C. Bishnois
D. Gujaratis
Answer: C. Bishnois
Q. Which Indian state implemented the Joint Forest Management model in the 1990s?
A. West Bengal
B. Kerala
C. Rajasthan
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: A. West Bengal
Q. What type of plantations were encouraged during the social forestry programmes initiated in the late 1970s?
A. Rubber plantations
B. Tea plantations
C. Rural fuelwood plantations
D. Commercial timber plantations
Answer: C. Rural fuelwood plantations
Q. The “Zing” traditional water harvesting system is found in which region?
A. Kerala
B. Jammu and Kashmir
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Uttarakhand
Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir
Q. What has been the main reason for the decline of traditional rainwater harvesting systems in India?
A. Introduction of the public water system
B. Lack of rainfall
C. Overuse of rivers
D. Soil degradation
Answer: A. Introduction of the public water system
Q. The term “Pan-Indian groves” refers to groves that are:
A. Managed by a single community
B. Sacred to all religions
C. Visited by people from all over India
D. Used for commercial purposes
Answer: C. Visited by people from all over India
Q. The “Kuls” and “Guls” traditional water management systems are found in which Indian states?
A. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
B. Punjab and Haryana
C. Gujarat and Rajasthan
D. Bihar and West Bengal
Answer: A. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Q. The “Tanka” system of rainwater harvesting is traditionally used in which state?
A. Maharashtra
B. Rajasthan
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Gujarat
Answer: B. Rajasthan
32. What is the main focus of the Van Panchayat institution in Uttar Pradesh?
A. Construction of dams
B. Management of community forests
C. Regulation of industrial activities
D. Promotion of tourism
Answer: B. Management of community forests
Extra Questions and Answers
1. What is conservation?
Answer: Conservation is the preservation of some level of biodiversity that is essential for the functioning of the ecosystem and the survival of mankind.
Q. What is the perception of environmental conservation in industrialised versus less developed countries?
Answer: Historically, people in industrialised countries have not perceived the importance of environmental conservation the same way as the people in less developed countries have done.
Q. What is Nagaland’s biggest wealth?
Answer: Nagaland’s biggest wealth lies in its natural and forest environment, which includes original sources of minerals and foods, herbal medicinal plants, and a wide variety of orchids.
Q. What are two species from Nagaland recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records?
Answer: Nagaland is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for: (i) The tallest rice plant, (ii) The tallest rhododendron.
Q. Why does Nagaland’s environment need to be conserved?
Answer: Nagaland’s environment needs to be conserved without hindering the development of the state because it is the original home of the world’s flowering plants.
Q. What is the Indian philosophical view of the environment?
Answer: The Indian theory of nature and ecology is influenced by the theory of creation which accepts that every element, object, and living being in the universe is created by the same supreme being, and man has no special dominion over nature.
Q. How is the environment viewed in the oral tradition of India?
Answer: In the oral tradition of India, the environment has been viewed as a living being which breathes, feels, protects, etc., and is a friendly entity.
Q. What was the role of sacred groves in India?
Answer: Sacred groves in India served as reservoirs of biodiversity, often being the last refuge for endemic and endangered species, and were linked to the politics and economics of the communities that protected them.
Q. Who are the Bishnois, and what is their significance in environmental conservation?
Answer: The Bishnois are a community in Rajasthan known for their environmental conservation practices, following the 29 principles of morality and conduct laid down by Guru Jambeshwar, including compassion for all living beings, non-violence, and vegetarianism.
Q. What conservation measures were taken by the people of Khonoma village?
Answer: The people of Khonoma village banned logging and hunting in their community-managed forest and established the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) with the help of village elders in 1998.
Q. What are sacred groves known for?
Answer: Sacred groves are known for being important reservoirs of biodiversity, often serving as the last refuge for endemic and endangered species, and providing water resources and soil stability for nearby communities.
Q. What are the four key benefits of sacred groves mentioned?
Answer: (i) They are often the last refuge for endemic and endangered plants and animals species. (ii) They are storehouses of medicinal plants valuable to village communities as well as modern pharmacopoeia. (iii) They contain wild relatives of crop species that can help to improve cultivated varieties. (iv) They also provide for the water needs of nearby communities.
Q. What is rainwater harvesting?
Answer: Rainwater harvesting is merely “putting back rainwater into the soil, where it will be stored in underground reservoirs and rivers, so that we can draw on it whenever we need it.”
Q. How much of the world’s water is available for human use?
Answer: Studies indicate that less than 1% of the world’s water is available in the form of rivers, ponds, and lakes for human use.
Q. What is the most cost-effective and efficient way of water management?
Answer: Rainwater harvesting is the most cost-effective and efficient way of water management.
Q. Why does Cherrapunji, despite receiving high rainfall, face water shortages?
Answer: Cherrapunji, despite being the wettest place in the world (receiving about 15,000 mm of annual rainfall), now faces an acute shortage of water every year due to the nature of Indian ecology.
Q. What has caused the drying up of spring water sources in Nagaland?
Answer: With the increase in deforestation, a number of spring water sources in Nagaland have dried up.
Q. What is one of the best solutions for water shortage in Nagaland?
Answer: As Nagaland receives enough rainfall, harvesting rainwater is one of the best solutions for the shortage of water.
Q. What are some examples of traditional methods of rainwater harvesting in India?
Answer: (i) Kere in Deccan plateau and coastal plains. (ii) Koramby in flood-prone coastal plains and deltas of rivers. (iii) Surangan in Kerala. (iv) Kulam in coastal districts of Kerala. (v) Phad system in Dhule and Nashik districts of Maharashtra. (vi) Tanka in Phalodi, Barmer, Balotra in Rajasthan and in Aizawl, Mizoram. (vii) Kund in Bikaner, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. (viii) Khadin or Dhora in Jodhpur, Barmer, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. (ix) Virda in Northern Kutch in Gujarat. (x) Naula or Hauzi in Kumaon, Garhwal in Uttarakhand. (xi) Zing in Ladakh and Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. (xii) Bamboo drip system in Cherrapunji, Mawsynram in Meghalaya and in Nagaland. (xiii) Apatani system in Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh. (xiv) Zabo system in Nagaland. (xv) Ahar Pyne system in many parts of Southern Bihar and West Bengal. (xvi) Kuhals of Jammu. (xvii) Kuls of Himachal Pradesh. (xviii) Guls of Uttarakhand. (xix) Eris of Tamil Nadu. (xx) Kundis, Bawdis, Jhalaras of Rajasthan. (xxi) Haveli of Madhya Pradesh.
Q. What is a pan-Indian grove?
Answer: Pan-Indian groves involve people from many parts of the country to see the cultural identity of the communities that revere and protect them.
Q. What are sacred groves?
Answer: Sacred groves are a group of trees or plants considered to be holy and deserving respect because of a connection with God.
Q. What are the challenges of rainfall patterns in India?
Answer: The rainfall pattern in India is highly irregular in both space and time. Most of the rainfall is concentrated during the first few months of the year and occurs primarily in a few regions. Around 70% of the rainfall happens in about four months, leading to severe droughts in some parts of the country, even during years of normal rainfall. An example given is Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, which, despite being the wettest place in the world with about 15,000 mm of annual rainfall, faces an acute shortage of water every year.
Q. How has Indian ecology influenced water harvesting practices?
Answer: The nature of Indian ecology, with its irregular rainfall and the need for water management, has forced Indians to develop and perfect the art of water harvesting, best suited to their region. India’s tradition of water harvesting is over two millennia old, with evidence found in ancient texts, inscriptions, and archaeological remains. This tradition includes various systems of rainwater harvesting that are adapted to the local ecology and geography, ensuring sustainable water management.
Q. What are some methods for urban rainwater harvesting?
Answer: Urban rainwater harvesting involves several methods depending on the soil type and surface conditions. If the soil is sandy, water naturally percolates into the ground. For paced surfaces, a small area should be removed, with a slight slope towards it, and a pit may be dug to retain rainwater. In the case of an impermeable layer, water from the terrace can be led directly into wells after passing through a filtration bed of sand and broken bricks. If a well is not present, pits as deep as the impermeable layer should be dug and filled with pebbles and sand. Additionally, a dwarf wall about a foot high could be built along the gate to avoid run-off onto roads and to facilitate water retention for slow percolation.
Q. What is the significance of sacred groves in India?
Answer: Sacred groves in India are preserved areas of native vegetation that are rich in biodiversity and harbor many rare species of plants and animals. These groves have been preserved over generations and represent the traditional knowledge and sacred practices important for the conservation and management of these ecological treasures. However, sacred groves have faced destruction over the past century due to development projects and the encroachment of commercial activities, leading to the loss of traditional wisdom and practices. Efforts are being made by conservationists, local communities, and the government to protect these sacred groves and integrate traditional wisdom into modern conservation systems.
Q. What led to the decline of traditional water harvesting systems in India?
Answer: The decline in traditional water harvesting systems in India over the past decades is attributed to several factors. British administrators focused on maximizing revenues, which impoverished rural communities and destroyed their traditional resource management systems. There was a shift towards constructing large dams and canals, beginning the public water system. Political leaders in the post-independence era continued to neglect traditional systems, preferring to imitate British methods. It is only recently that the drawbacks of the public water system have led people to reconsider traditional alternatives, with some places like Sukhomajri and Ralegan Siddhi seeing a revival of these practices, transforming them from poverty to plenty.
Q. What role does the Van Panchayat play in forest management in Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: The Van Panchayat is a democratically elected village-level institution in Uttar Pradesh responsible for the management of forests. It manages grazing, the collection of fuelwood, fodder, and timber, and the protection of community forests. A Van Panchayat can be formed if one-third of the village inhabitants agree to it. At the village level, it serves as the sole arbitrator for the management of Van Panchayat forests and collaborates with the Forest Department for technical assistance and the preparation of developmental plans. This participatory approach aims to increase biomass production and ensure effective management of forest resources.
28. What is the significance of the Chipko movement in India?
Answer: The Chipko movement in India is significant as it represents a grassroots environmental conservation effort where local communities protect forest resources through non-violent resistance. Originating in the Himalayan region, the movement was led mainly by women who physically embraced trees to prevent them from being cut down by loggers. This movement has been instrumental in raising awareness about deforestation and has influenced the implementation of forest conservation policies. The Chipko movement is an example of how local communities can effectively manage and protect natural resources by integrating traditional wisdom with modern conservation practices.
