This paper provides a comprehensive review of the environmental history of India, exploring the evolution of environmental practices and policies from pre-colonial times to the present day. It begins by defining the scope of environmental history and its significance in the Indian context. The study examines traditional indigenous knowledge systems, colonial impacts on forestry, agriculture, and industrialization, and post-colonial challenges such as the Green Revolution, deforestation, urbanization, and pollution. It highlights significant environmental movements, including the Chipko Movement and the Narmada Bachao Andolan, and the role of government policies and judiciary in environmental protection. The paper also addresses contemporary debates on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the role of technology and innovation in environmental management. Through an analysis of past and present practices, policies, and debates, this paper aims to provide insights into the future directions for environmental conservation and sustainable development in India.

Environmental history, India, indigenous knowledge systems, colonial impact, Green Revolution, deforestation, urbanization, pollution, environmental movements, government policies, climate change, sustainable development, renewable energy, environmental legislation, public interest litigations