Traditional Faith and Cultural Dimensions - Significant Thrust in Phytodiversity Maintenance

Abstract

Faith, culture and economic life of ethnic communities residing in Dumka district of Santhal Paraganas, Jharkhand mainly revolve round their rich phyto-diversity, of which they are a part. And, over generations of experience, they have acquired the knowledge, which has converted the phytotaxa into bioresources.

Their knowledge about biology, properties and conservation of ecosystems is also very rich. They have evolved unique methods for the sustainable use and management of their biodiversity. Each taxon is recognized differently by each tribe and often by the individuals of the same tribe. Gathering of this fact, on a global or even national basis will show more facets of the bioresources than those shown by the taxonomists. Only, we have to shift our attention from what the elements of biodiversity are, to what these elements mean to us and to humanity. This paper mainly focuses on the vast relationship arising out of the faith and cultural diversity of the tribal communities of Dumka with their ambient phyto-diversity.