Spiritual Ecology in Tribal Beliefs: A Study of the Tribes of Purulia

Abstract

The present study explores the intersection of spirituality and ecology within the indigenous belief systems of the tribal communities of Purulia district, West Bengal. Spiritual ecology, as expressed in the rituals, myths, and sacred landscapes of tribal life, reflects a holistic worldview where nature and divinity coexist inseparably. The research highlights how ecological awareness is embedded in traditional religion, manifested through the worship of sacred groves, rivers, animals, and spirits that guard forests and lands. The study draws upon field observations and ethnographic literature to understand how these spiritual-ecological relationships contribute to environmental conservation, social harmony, and cultural continuity. Findings suggest that tribal ecological consciousness represents an indigenous form of sustainable living that integrates reverence, reciprocity, and responsibility toward nature.