P.R. High School Society's
ARTS, COMMERCE AND SCIENCE COLLEGE, DHARANGAON
NAAC RE-ACCREDITED ‘B’ (CGPA 2.71) GRADE
Tal. Dharangaon - 425105, Dist. Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.
ARTS, COMMERCE AND SCIENCE COLLEGE, DHARANGAON
NAAC RE-ACCREDITED ‘B’ (CGPA 2.71) GRADE
Tal. Dharangaon - 425105, Dist. Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.
Research Projects
Research Paper (International)- Ethnomedicinal investigation of some sacred plants species in Dhule district Maharashtra
- Ethnobotanical studies of some sacred plants of Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, India
- Traditional herbal cures in Jalgaon district (Maharashtra) India
- Role of exotic sacred plants in Bioculture of Khandesh region of Maharashtra (India)
- Ethnobotany of exotic plants in Khandesh region of Maharashtra (India)
Research Paper
Role of exotic sacred plants in Bioculture of Khandesh region of Maharashtra (India)
Dr.Swapnil Madhukar Khare
Department of Botany
Abstract
Khandesh is comprised of three districts viz., Jalgaon, Dhule and Nandurbar and lies in the North-Western part of Maharashtra state (India). This region inhabited by people various religions, apart from native tribal population. All communities have their own culture and belief systems and have faith in their gods and goddesses. They lead religious life through worships, festival, rites and rituals.
Ethnobotanical inventories were extended on religious, sacred places and temples. Informants were interviewed to have traditional knowledge and usages. The data accrued was verified during subsequent visits.
The present authors documented 55 especially exotic plant species belonging 53 genera and 32 angiospermic families. Majority of them are found under cultivation (45 species), whereas 08 species are wild and 02 species both as wild and cultigens. The literary survey of these exotic taxa revealed their nativity or origin from foreign lands. Maximum species (25) are American, which is then followed numerically as: African (08 species), Europe (04 species) and Australian (02 species). Other countries or region such as Java, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, West Indies and Mediterranean regions are reported by one species each. All these are being conserved since they have been appropriated by native people for various religious worships, ceremonies and have deep faith in them. Occurrence of some exotics in ancient period is evidenced by archaeobotanical studies and mythology.
All these human sentiments are indicative of their role in local biodiversity conservation and bioculture of Khandesh regions. Khandesh region is thus a land of celebrations, worships and religious festivals interwoven with local biodiversity. An attempt has been made for appropriation of exotic species to Indian deities. Similar studies are still needed to know bioculture and Indian heritage. An cultural dimension relating to biodiversity should be integrated with decision making for appropriate conservation strategies. Such investigations need a scientific and prudent approach for the well-being of mankind.
Keywords: exotic sacred plants, Bioculture, Khandesh, India