Trials on Certain Exotics and Non-indigenous Species at Mount Abu

Abstract

For many centuries, Mount Abu has remained a religious centre for Hindu and Jain devotees. Being the summer headquarters of the erstwhile Agent General for the Rajputana States to the Viceroy of India, it had the patronage of the British officers since the later part of the eighteenth century. These persons were keen to beautify the surrounding hills with many exotic tree species. Since the middle of the nineteenth century, many attempts were made for introduction of exotics. Whereas several such species have successfully been introduced, many have failed. The tree growth initially was strictly protected but this suffered subsequently. Intensive efforts are now being made to replenish the tree growth and to beautify this hill station.