Contents: Preface. 1. The Rigvedic perspective on forest and environment. 2. Forest and environment in the later Vedas. 3. Deforestation in the age of Brahmanas. 4. Regional survey of forests in ancient India. 5. The Buddhist perspective on forest and environment. 6. "The Mahabharata"- a book of the forests. 7. Forest and environment in Kautilya's Arthashastra. 8. conclusion. Bibliography.

"Forest and environment in ancient India is having emphasis in the Book on developing concept rather then merely providing information and providing up to date knowledge relevant tot he ancient environment (i.e. Rig Veda /later Vedic forest/deforestation in age of Brahmans Koutilya Arthashastra and Buddha period). There is adequate scope to stimulate Independent thinking and application of the principal learnt especially in religious forest.

In the sixth century B.C. India witnessed an in lends intellectual of upheaval. Buddha was leading figure of that epoch beside questioning the established norms socio religious practices and spiritual values prevailing at that time. Then the Buddha stood at a distance to the North-east of the Bodhi tree and gazed at it for one week motionless eyes ass mark of gratitude and appreciation for having sheltered him during his enlightenment. This is extremely significant in determining his attitude towards trees and forest. Not only that there are sour ashram to lead out life the main is Vanprasth Ashram, man who completed 50 to 55 years to to the forest is live together. Many philosophers have tried to indicate the basis for good forest life system for example Buddha left Home have at the age of 29 years and wondered through the village and cities in the Ganga Valley for 15 years." (jacket)