Volume : III, Issue : VIII, August - 2014

Tradition of Sacred Groves in India-A Review

Vijay Choudhary, Varsha Gupta

Abstract :

Sacred groves are the fine example of in-situ conservation. Sacred groves are forest fragments, size varying between 0.5 -500 hectare, (Some of the sacred groves are more than 500 hectare in size) which are protected by religious communities, and have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community. During shifting cultivation a part of the forest is left undisturbed. The sacredness, religious beliefs and taboos play a significant role in promoting sustainable utilization and conservation of flora and fauna of the region. Here all the species found in the area are protected and these areas called as sacred groves. The sacred groves have been preserved over generations in India. Rare, Endangered, Threatened and Endemic species are often concentrated in sacred groves. Hunting and logging are usually prohibited in sacred groves. Developmental activities are also restricted within these patches. Sacred groves are mostly associated with temples/monasteries / shrines or with cremation grounds.Sacred groves occur in many parts of India, particularly where the indigenous communities live.Sacred Groves are also culturally important; various cultural and religious festivals are often arranged by local people within these patches. Sacred groves contain various ecosystems, various food chains and food webs. Sacred groves are scattered all over the country, and are referred to by different names in different parts of India.

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Article: Download PDF    DOI : https://www.doi.org/10.36106/gjra  

Cite This Article:

TRADITION OF SACRED GROVES IN INDIA-A REVIEW, Vijay Choudhary, Varsha Gupta GLOBAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS : Volume-3 | Issue-8 | August-2014

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