Study of Sustainable Innovative Practices in Ancient India

Abstract

India has been home to many innovations right from the very beginning. The ancient innovations influenced the economic status of prevailing rulers at that time. They even contributed to competitive advantage and helped in maintaining environmental sustainability. The issues such as sustainability and environment were always considered as important in the Indian history. Several rulers have initiated policies and built structures that we now call as sustainable and environment friendly. The paper is an attempt to study the ancient sustainable innovations in three categories and provide analytical study.  The paper starts with the introduction about the topic highlighting the status and demographics of ancient India before 1700 A.D. It then explains sustainable innovations prevailing during this duration. Sustainable innovation is studied in three categories, i.e. water management, waste management and health management. The methodology adopted is integrative research approach. The time period under consideration is before 1700 A.D. The result presents analysis of the three detailed case studies in terms of demographics, ruler and economic impact.  The paper ends with conclusion, suggesting future research implications.   It also provides a roadmap of research that can be implemented in modern times where resources continue to deplete with time.