Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
NK Rathore, VK Yadav and SP Mehra

Abstract:
Nature has ample of services for infinite time to fulfil the needs of human. Bharatvarsh, known as India in the present context, has great history related to the nature. The eco-cultural aspects are evident from the eco-principles of ancient Indian literature such as “Aranya Sanskriti” (Forest Culture), “Prakriti Purush” (Natural Human) and “Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam” (Earth as one Family). The present investigation is an attempt to document the ethnobotanical approach of the local inhabitants from the south-eastern parts of Rajasthan (India) especially related to the eco-customary practices of conserving natural heritage. The general surveys were conducted for field observations on the existing sites of conservation practices. Local interview-based data collection was carried out from the local inhabitants. Near about thirty-four sites of sacredness were identified and analysed. A total of 65 plant species were used for religious purposes. The sacred groves were getting the protection due to the auspiciousness but simultaneously many of them were also getting deteriorated which need immediate attention. Overall, customary practices were giving due protection to the indigenous plant species of ecological importance.