{"id":31318,"date":"2024-03-02T07:10:03","date_gmt":"2024-03-02T07:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=31318"},"modified":"2024-03-02T07:10:06","modified_gmt":"2024-03-02T07:10:06","slug":"sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/","title":{"rendered":"Sacred Groves &#8211; UPSC Environment Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Sacred groves are collectively safeguarded woodlands typically holding profound religious significance for the community responsible for their protection.<\/li><li>Also known as sacred forests, these groves consist of sections of natural vegetation, ranging from a few trees to several acres.\u00a0<\/li><li>The preservation of these areas is carried out by local communities, driven by their religious convictions and the observance of traditional rituals passed down through multiple generations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d2f3ffda43c\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d2f3ffda43c\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#THREATS_TO_SACRED_GROVES\" title=\"THREATS TO SACRED GROVES\">THREATS TO SACRED GROVES<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#HISTORICAL_REFERENCE\" title=\"HISTORICAL REFERENCE\">HISTORICAL REFERENCE<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#DISTRIBUTION_OF_SACRED_GROVES\" title=\"DISTRIBUTION OF SACRED GROVES\">DISTRIBUTION OF SACRED GROVES<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#BENEFITS_OF_SACRED_RESERVES\" title=\"BENEFITS OF SACRED RESERVES\">BENEFITS OF SACRED RESERVES<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#Traditional_Uses\" title=\"Traditional Uses:\">Traditional Uses:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#Modern_Uses\" title=\"Modern Uses:\">Modern Uses:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_SACRED_GROVES\" title=\"FAQs &#8211; SACRED GROVES:\">FAQs &#8211; SACRED GROVES:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#1_What_are_Sacred_Groves\" title=\"1. What are Sacred Groves?\">1. What are Sacred Groves?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#2_What_Threats_do_Sacred_Groves_Face\" title=\"2. What Threats do Sacred Groves Face?\">2. What Threats do Sacred Groves Face?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#3_How_Are_Traditional_Belief_Systems_Threatened\" title=\"3. How Are Traditional Belief Systems Threatened?\">3. How Are Traditional Belief Systems Threatened?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#4_What_Historical_References_Exist_for_Sacred_Groves_in_India\" title=\"4. What Historical References Exist for Sacred Groves in India?\">4. What Historical References Exist for Sacred Groves in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#5_Are_There_Initiatives_Resembling_Sacred_Groves\" title=\"5. Are There Initiatives Resembling Sacred Groves?\">5. Are There Initiatives Resembling Sacred Groves?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/sacred-groves-upsc-environment-notes\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"THREATS_TO_SACRED_GROVES\"><\/span><strong>THREATS TO SACRED GROVES<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The challenges faced by sacred forests vary across regions and even within different forests. Some common threats identified include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Erosion of Traditional Belief Systems:<\/strong> The disappearance of traditional belief systems, now considered mere superstition, poses a threat to the fundamental concept of sacred forests.<\/li><li><strong>Urbanization and Developmental Activities:<\/strong> Rapid urbanization and development projects such as roads, railway tracks, dams, and commercial forestry have resulted in the destruction of various sacred forests.<\/li><li><strong>Encroachment: <\/strong>The encroachment of human activities has led to the shrinking of some large forests dedicated to sacred purposes.<\/li><li><strong>Transformation of Nature Worship<\/strong>: The transformation of primitive forms of nature worship into formal temple worship has impacted the sanctity of sacred groves.<\/li><li><strong>Invasion by Exotic Weeds:<\/strong> The invasion of exotic weeds poses a serious threat to some sacred groves, disrupting their natural ecosystems.<\/li><li><strong>Livestock and Fuelwood Collection:<\/strong> Increasing pressures from livestock grazing and fuelwood collection contribute to the degradation of sacred groves and their ecosystems.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HISTORICAL_REFERENCE\"><\/span><strong>HISTORICAL REFERENCE<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Indian sacred groves are often linked with temples, monasteries, shrines, pilgrimage sites, or burial grounds.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Historically, these sacred groves are mentioned in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist texts.&nbsp;<\/li><li>For instance, Hinduism refers to sacred tree groves, while Buddhism has sacred deer parks.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The term &#8220;sacred groves&#8221; may also be loosely used to describe natural habitats protected on religious grounds.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Additional historical references to sacred groves can be found in ancient treatises like Vrukshayurveda and classics like Kalidasa\u2019s Vikramuurvashiiya.&nbsp;<\/li><li>There is a growing interest in creating green patches resembling sacred groves, as seen in initiatives such as Nakshatravana.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DISTRIBUTION_OF_SACRED_GROVES\"><\/span><strong>DISTRIBUTION OF SACRED GROVES<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>India is home to numerous sacred groves, with a notable concentration in states like Himachal Pradesh and Kerala. Other regions where these groves can be found include Rajasthan, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/XqtYxOvR1Dk_eYMKua9L5Ns_NrnCrGp2-nK_e0xUljViG0kXG17MEyrWcys9euduqS07lhIaZc3gHM-0HFYzTBTn1CUssF5zf4RncsZgG-VVLRG0-2xrkeRONBK1o0qtY8pmufHj-hbkrsiIjjKwlR4\" alt=\"DISTRIBUTION OF SACRED GROVES\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption><strong>DISTRIBUTION OF SACRED GROVES<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Himachal Pradesh: <\/strong>This state boasts the highest number of sacred groves, characterized by meticulous care and preservation. Shipin is considered the largest deodar grove in Himachal Pradesh, housing trees that are thousands of years old.<\/li><li><strong>Maharashtra:<\/strong> Sacred groves in Maharashtra are referred to as deorais or devrais and are predominantly located in Pune, Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Kolhapur.<\/li><li><strong>Bihar:<\/strong> Known as sarnas, sacred groves in Bihar are relatively small, typically consisting of 2 to 20 trees.<\/li><li><strong>Rajasthan<\/strong>: Oraans cover the largest area in Rajasthan, contributing to a distinct biodiversity in various regions.<\/li><li><strong>Meghalaya: <\/strong>The Khasi hills in Meghalaya are home to some of the richest groves in the country, featuring a grove called law kyntangs in almost every village.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These sacred groves, hosting rare and endangered plant species, are crucial repositories of valuable medicinal plants. They also provide habitat for a diverse range of birds and small mammals, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BENEFITS_OF_SACRED_RESERVES\"><\/span><strong>BENEFITS OF SACRED RESERVES<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_Uses\"><\/span><strong>Traditional Uses:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>One of the fundamental traditional roles of sacred groves was serving as a repository for various Ayurvedic medicines.<\/li><li>These groves were a source of replenishable resources such as fruits and honey. However, traditional norms in most sacred groves prohibited hunting or wood chopping.<\/li><li>The vegetation cover of sacred groves played a crucial role in reducing soil erosion and preventing desertification, particularly in regions like Rajasthan.<\/li><li>Sacred groves, often associated with ponds and streams, fulfilled the water requirements of local communities. Additionally, they contributed to recharging aquifers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Uses\"><\/span><strong>Modern Uses:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In contemporary times, sacred groves have evolved into biodiversity hotspots, attracting various species seeking refuge due to habitat destruction and hunting in surrounding areas.<\/li><li>These groves serve as havens for plant and animal species that may have become extinct in neighboring regions.<\/li><li>Sacred groves exhibit remarkable genetic diversity. In urban landscapes, they function as the &#8220;lungs&#8221; of the city, offering essential vegetation cover.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_SACRED_GROVES\"><\/span><strong>FAQs &#8211; SACRED GROVES:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_are_Sacred_Groves\"><\/span>1. What are Sacred Groves?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Sacred groves are woodlands collectively safeguarded by communities, typically holding profound religious significance for the responsible community. Also known as sacred forests, these groves consist of natural vegetation preserved by local communities based on religious convictions and traditional rituals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_What_Threats_do_Sacred_Groves_Face\"><\/span>2. What Threats do Sacred Groves Face?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: The challenges faced by sacred groves include the erosion of traditional belief systems, urbanization, encroachment, transformation of nature worship, invasion by exotic weeds, and pressures from livestock grazing and fuelwood collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_How_Are_Traditional_Belief_Systems_Threatened\"><\/span>3. How Are Traditional Belief Systems Threatened?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: The disappearance of traditional belief systems, now considered superstition, poses a threat to the fundamental concept of sacred forests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_What_Historical_References_Exist_for_Sacred_Groves_in_India\"><\/span>4. What Historical References Exist for Sacred Groves in India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Sacred groves are mentioned in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist texts, such as sacred tree groves in Hinduism and sacred deer parks in Buddhism. Ancient treatises like Vrukshayurveda and classics like Kalidasa\u2019s Vikramuurvashiiya also reference sacred groves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Are_There_Initiatives_Resembling_Sacred_Groves\"><\/span>5. Are There Initiatives Resembling Sacred Groves?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Yes, there is a growing interest in creating green patches resembling sacred groves, as seen in initiatives like Nakshatravana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. 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Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sacred groves are collectively safeguarded woodlands typically holding profound religious significance for the community responsible for their protection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":31324,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[276],"tags":[177,2354,232,213,140],"class_list":["post-31318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ecology-environment-general-studies","tag-general-studies-3","tag-sacred-groves","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-notes","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31318","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31318"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31318\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31325,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31318\/revisions\/31325"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31324"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31318"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31318"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31318"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}