It is evident from various Hindu scriptures that the ancient
Hindus had a clear insight into various aspects of the environment that are
conducive for health and happiness of all life forms including the purity of
water and air.
Charaka (4th century BC) and Sushruta (6th
century BC) show intimate knowledge of the purity of water and air and its
importance for human life. Some of the important observations of these ancients
seers of Hinduism are:
Knowledge of Ancient Hindus Regarding Purity of Air
Charaka held that the air, which is not in accordance
with the season is not conducive to good health. Air that is excessively moist,
harsh, speedy, cold, hot, rough or blocking, terribly noisy, whistling,
smelling unsuitably or contaminated with particles from poisonous flowers
(pollen), gravel, dust or smoke, etc., is unwholesome and is responsible for
diseases and epidemics.
Knowledge of Ancient Hindus Regarding Purity of Water
Details of diseases that spread through poor quality
of water are included in Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita,
Ashtanga Samgraha, Bhavaprakasha and others.
Water, which is vicious or oily, contaminated with worms,
micro-organisms, leaves, moss and mud, spoiled in taste and color, has been
described as polluted and unhealthy.
Contaminated water according to Vagbhata causes diseases pertaining
to throat and the alimentary canal, indigestion, flatulence, cough, fever,
goiter, skin diseases, etc.
Heating, boiling and filtration methods of water
purification are suggested both by Sushruta and Vagbhata.
Bhavamishra observes that water which is constantly in touch
with the sun’s rays during daytime and moon’s rays during night can become
wholesome and palatable.
Bhavamishra recommends that plant derived aromatic
compounds, certain minerals and metals like copper can purify and improve the quality
and palatability of water.
Bhavamishra also describes in detail the seasonal variations
in the quality and properties of rain water.