Studies on Sacred Groves and Taboos in Purulia District of West Bengal

Abstract

Small pockets of forest maintained in a sound state on cultural and religious beliefs, serving as the pristine refuge of plants are known as Sacred groves. Taboos (religious interdictions), protect the plants and even arboreal birds, mammals, and other forest dwelling animals In any sacred grove from eviction. Purulia District in West Bengal with an area of 6,259 km² has a large number of sacred groves and ethnic races. 18 sacred groves were studied there between February-March 1999. These groves are spread over 72,681 m² area and contain 106 species variform, of which, aboriginal tree species are 55, and their total population is 1936. Ethnic groups met with are Bhumijs, Kurmis, Loharas, Mahalis, Sabars and Santhals. They offer goat, sheep, swine, calf, fowl to their deity sacramentally in the groves on religious occasions. Efforts should be made to protect this type of vegetation that existed long before human interference.