RELIGION, TRIBE, SETTLEMENT, LANDFORM

Transcription

1 Page106 Chapter 5 RELIGION, TRIBE, SETTLEMENT, LANDFORM AND SACRED GROVES IN WEST BENGAL 5.1. Religions and Sacred Groves 5.2. Tribes and Sacred Groves 5.3. Landforms and Sacred Groves 5.4. Settlements and Sacred Groves

2 Page RELIGIONS AND SACRED GROVES HINDUISM: Hinduism, the most widely practiced religion in West Bengal, covers numerous religious wings, varying from monotheists to polytheists, at various degrees. The belief of sacredness is hidden among Vedas and Upanishads [where the symbol OM (Lokeswarananda, ed., 2004, p.715) is used to identify the Hinduism]. The major religious sects in Hindus are Vaishnav, Sahajiya, Shaktas and Saivas, each with its own line of thought and social practice. Different castes of Hindu religion maintain the diversity of Sacred Groves worshipping. They have distinct identity and with time-space and they are nourishing their traditional culture on the basis of their belief. Among number of castes of West Bengal the worshipping of Sacred Groves are prevalent till now. There are different castes like: Bauri, Barui, Bagdi, Mahishya, Mahato, Majhi etc. who nourish the nature oriented Sacred Groves culture in their daily life. Roy Burman (1996, p.37-46) reports the existence of such groves for different castes. With the maintenance of the age-old tradition, they conserve different sacred trees and the eco-nano-cultures like: tree worshipping, jungle worshipping, sacrificial system, fair and all these are carried with the concept of Sacred Groves. Bagdi Plate 64 caste maintains the perception of Sacred Groves in their culture through the worshipping of sacred tree like: Bot (Ficus benghalensis), Dead Palm (Phoenix sylvestris), Ashwattha (Ficus religiosa), Sheora (Streblus asper) etc. In Durgapur (Barddhaman ), the Bagdi caste worships a Bot (Ficus benghalensis) tree along with the Devi Kali and Shiva. In Satkahania village of Barddhaman people worship the Daityasur (the folk-god) Sacred Grove in the form of jungle and with the maintenance of this

3 Page108 polyphony of sacred realm Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Bael (Aegle marmelos) are conserved for more than 100 years (plate 64). Local dwellers believe the God Daityasur dwells within of this Sacred Groves and they offerings of the mannat/vow items like mud horses of different sizes (plate 64). Plate 65 Among Barui caste the culture of Sacred Grove is also present. More than 200 aged Bot tree is being worshipped by Barui caste in Satkahania village of Kaksha (Barddhaman ) and people cultivate their Dali puja under this sacred tree. But, in recent glars, due to impact of modernization the place of Dali puja has been moved to the other side within the concrete temple but people still now conserve the place of Dali puja (plate 65) under sacred Bot (Ficus benghalensis) tree and they encircle the area of tree with Plate 66 concrete frame. In Lagalpukur of Onda (Bankura ), Bauri caste worships the sacred Tetul tree with mud horses and the same tradition is found in Khamarberia of Bankura. They are worshipping the Baram Thaan under the group of Bamboos (Bambusa arundihacea) with the sacrificial Plate 67 (life) culture. People construct three knobs in front of Bamboo (Bambusa arundihacea) trees and two opposite soil-knobs is placed for Baram Thaan and the middle knob is for sacrificing of animals (plate 66). This is the unique folk-culture of Scared Grove of Bauri caste of Bankura. In Swarupnarayan

4 Page109 Nagar of Lalgarh (West Medinipur ), Mahato caste firmly worships a Sacred Grove (plate 67) where Bot (Ficus benghalensis), Neem (Azadirachta indica), and Kuchla (Abrus precatorious), etc. are being preserved in the form of sacred jungle. This area is the most interior of Sal (Shorea robusta) jungle and they mainly maintain their sacrificial system within the Sacred Grove. Every week more than 20 different animals are sacrificed here and through this example we can realize the importance of Sacred Grove worshipping is people s perception. Among Majhi castes Sal (Shorea robusta) worshiping is the traditional rituals and in this way they maintain their Sacred Grove tradition at different corners of West Bengal. In Belsula village of Bishnupur (Bankura ), the Majhi caste Plate 68 maintains their Sacred Grove culture through the worshipping of the clump of Sal trees (plate 68) and they identify these Sacred Groves in name of Kurdatala. In the interior of the sacred Sal grove people conserve the mud horses and elephants as the example of vows which is completely untouched on the map of Belsula village. In West Bengal, the Dharmathakur is worshipped in several Sacred Groves. This festival is mainly held during the time of 15 th April to 15 th May. Dharmathakur is a Hindu God, worshipped by villagers in the traditional Rarh region of West Bengal as one of their special village-gods. He is represented by a shapeless stone daubed with vermilion and is normally placed under a tree or in the open air and sometimes enshrined in a temple also. Dharmathakur is worshipped mainly by Bauri, Bagdi, Hari, and Dom caste of people, etc. Among Hindu religion, Sitala worshipping is found in different Sacred Groves (for example; Dharmatal in Kapastiguri of Birbhum ) and local people believe that Devi Sitala is the Goddess fertility and can bless with children, and her blessing can cure children suffering from fatal diseases.

5 Page110 Table 18: Hindu religion based Sacred Groves in West Bengal (based on surveyed data). Name of the Sacred Groves Sani Veku Pagla Babar Ashram Shmashan Kali, Hanuman Shivatala Manasa Chotomah akaldham Devi Choudhur ani Shivatala Baeltala Shivatala Shiva Shiva Bari Ketara mandir Location Gari Dhora, Darjiling Hashimara, in the Way of Jaigao, Jalpaiguri Side of Torsa River, Hashimara, Jalpaiguri Palashbari, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri Subhashpally, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri Jayanti, Jalpaiguri Sikarpur, 2 Km. from BodaGanj Rajganj, Jalpaiguri FCI Godaon, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri Alipurduar Court, Jalpaiguri abari, Buxa, Jalpaiguri Jayanti More, Jalpaiguri Alipurduar Junction, Chechamata, Jalpaiguri Mati Mari, Dinhata, Coachbihar Name of the Sacred Groves Madnatala Samadhi Hindu Dhole Kalimaro Sitala Puja Sitla, Sani Bhabatarini Shmashan Pith Location Maguria village, Lalgarh, West Medinipur Dahijuri, West Medinipur Rajnagar village, Daspur, West Medinipur Saudkhali village, Ramnagar 1, East Medinipur Bamoria village, Chandipur, East Medinipur Pashkura, East Medinipur Name of the Sacred Groves Chandi Loknathtala Buri Matala Narayani Mar mandir Sri Sri Richatareswari Matar mandir Kali mandir, Cremation Ground Location Gopal Chak village, Borbati, East Medinipur Bahadur Tala, Salboni, West Medinipur Lalgarh, West Medinipur Egra 2, East Medinipur Ahmedpur village, Ramnagar 2, East Medinipur Naranpur village, Tarokeswar, Haora Manasa Ramkali, Gour, Malda Panchanan Belmuri, Dhoniakhali, Haora Kalitala Kalitala Fulsahari darja, Majar Sharif, Lal chand saha Sharif Rakshya Kali Sacred Hot Spring Ghat, Tara Ma mandir Kulgochagram, Kaligang, Murshidabad Kundal Andi village, Barua Thana, Murshidabad Sekhdighi, Sagardihi, Murshidabad Bogrul Gram, Dubrajor Thana, P.O. Kukhutia, Dubrajpur, Birbhum Bokreswar, Hot Spring Ghat, Bakreswar temple, Bokreswar, Birbhum Side of Brahmani Bridge, Nalhati, Birbhum Ateswar Thakur Pokhabaganrakh akalitala Bilwa-Mangal Sohombaba r Ashram Manasa Dharmaraj Fulloratala Damodor pur, Karanchali, Kulpi, North 24 Parganas Labpur, Birbhum Bilwa Gram Near Joydeb, Illam Bazar, Birbhum Koma village, Puradarpur, Birbhum Koma village, Puradarpur, Birbhum Labpur, Birbhum

6 Page111 Shiva, Kali Per House Side, Raiganj, Uttar Shivachandi tala Shiva mandir MamaBhagne hill, Khoirasol, Dinajpur Kharboni, Illambazar, Birbhum Birbhum Kali, Shiva Laskarpur, Trimohini, Dakshin Dinajpur Sacred Hot Spring Ghat, One Ghat of 51 Ghat Bokreswar, Hot Spring Ghat, Bakreswar temple, Dubrajpur, Birbhum Kali, Shiva Umuapara, Saithia, Birbhum Kali Paranpur Balurghat, Dakshin Dinajpur Sat Ma puja Rajnagar Ghatdurlavpur, Rajnagar, Birbhum Dharampur Barutia, Koteswar, Birbhum Bagratala Dhallah, Illambazar, Birbhum Ramdas Baba mandir Bazarpukur, P.O. Nogri, Suri Thana, Siuri1, Birbhum Khapakalitala Indus, Labpur, Birbhum Bagratala Shiva Koridhya, Hattala, Siuri, Kapastiguri, Birbhum Labpur, Dhallah, Illambazar, Birbhum Dharamtala Birbhum Sannasital a Ruppur, Birbhum Shmashan Mata Fulera, Siuri Road, Siuri 2, Birbhum Sitola- Brahmachari- Manasatala G.S.Coloni, Illambazar, Birbhum Kankalital a Kankalitala, Bolpur, Birbhum Gutulikalital a Monoharpur, Nanur, Birbhum Panchya Nath Jiara village, Bhatar Thana, Barddhaman Kankalital acrematio n Ground Kankalitala, Bolpur, Birbhum Kalitala Monoharpur, Nanur, Birbhum Manasa Deypara village, Bhatar Thana, Barddhaman Shivatalas hivdur Sureteswar, Bolpur, Birbhum Dalipuja Satkahania, Kaksha, Barddhaman Shmashan Kali Panagarh, Barddhaman Kalishah mandir Santiniketan, Bolpur, Birbhum Vairab Baba Kali mandir Bankathi, Barddhaman Kali Bari Ashram Durgapur 3, Barddhaman Chatimtala Santiniketan, Bolpur, Birbhum Daityashur Bankathi, Barddhaman Hanuman Chorbarpur, Kaliachok, Malda Dakshinak alitala Bora, Nanur, Birbhum Samdali Nimtiguri, Barddhaman Hanuman Gopal Math, Sujra Plot, Durgapur 12, Barddhaman Ekmentala Shyama mandir Garjangal, Barddhaman Gosai Ashram Andal Thana, Bagajora, Beloma, Illambazar, Birbhum Barddhaman Bramachar ibababurot ala Halsidanga, Illambazar, Birbhum Sri Chanditala Garjangal, Barddhaman Baba Gosai Ashram Assansol, Barddhaman Bishaharit Cheelah, Illam Raresher Gopalpur, Barddhaman Kali Nakrajuria,

7 Page112 ala Maichamp atbibidang a Dharmaraj tala Shmashan martala (Burial place) Naktitala Ram mandir Manasa Shmashan Kali And Hanuman Shiva mandir Bagra Thaan Radha Krishna Maguria Baba Bara Pahar Shmashan ghat Kali Bazar, Birbhum Sukhbazar, Illambazar, Birbhum Dhallah, Illambazar, Birbhum Chandipur, Nanur, Birbhum Baghmundi, Puruliya Ayodhya, Under Baghmundi Block, Puruliya Balarampur, Puruliya Jorbandh, Manbazar, Puruliya Budhpur, Manbazar, Puruliya Jhalida, Sindri, Puruliya Adra, Puriliya Hura, Puriliya Shiva mandir Jungle Chandi mandir Nagraichand i Manasa Manasa Dharmarajta la Madnatala Gonamundi Radha Gobinda mandir Panchananta la Dakat Kali Tala Gopalpur, Barddhaman Muchipara, Durgapur, Barddhaman P.O. Bujrukha Dighi, Place Nagraichandi, Khero Pota Bazar, Barddhaman School Market, Gantar Memari, Barddhaman Jikrapur, Sat Gachia Memari, Barddhaman Gourbera, Barjora, Bankura Bamundigha, Bankura Bastavpur, Bankura Sahaganj, Hugli Road, Magra, Hugli G.T. Road (Katoa), Hugli Purusattyampur, Molla simla, Singur, Hugli Jongalpara, Chanditala, Hugli Amarnath Shiva mandir Masansing Thakur Ratha Gobindo Seba Ashram Kali Buro Raj Malai Kali Basoli mandir Mahatirthya Biharinath Dham Shiva mandir Chanditala Birinchi Dham Salarpur, Barddhaman Bhandar Pahar, Kalnyaswari Thana, Barddhaman Haripur Bazar, Pandabeswar, Barddhaman Along Ajay River, Pandabeswar, Barddhaman Harisabha Para, Katoa, Barddhaman Kusum Gram, Mantheswar, Barddhaman Saluni Gram, Bankura Aradanga, Saltora, Bankura Aradanga, Saltora, Bankura Ituri Gram, Saltora, Bankura Baradia, Matori, Bankura Nituria, Bankura Pratappur, Barjora, Bankura Kolika Ashram, Kali Puja Satmahania Satmahani village, Gopiballavpur, West Medinipur Rupdas Beleswar, Uttam Dumurdoho, Balagarh, Kalikatal Satmahani Baba Sonamukhi, Bankura Ashram Hugli village, West Medinipur Madnya Krishnyabati, Sitala Gargaria village, Kalitala Guptipara, Thakur Bankura Sarenga, Bankura Balagarh, Hugli Bhairavtal Balarampur village, Manasatala Bikrampur, Sarenga, Ma Jai Chandi Sashpur, Kalna,

8 Page113 a Bankura Bankura Hugli Kalitala Jairampur, Bankura Manasa and Rambikrampur Ambika Sashpur, Kalna, Kali mandir Shimlapal Block, Bankura Kalitala Hugli Kalitala Kalitala Ma Kujurhani Shmashan ghat Kali, Bhairav Kalitala Kalitala Baeltala, Sannyasi Baba Sastitala, Rupchand Baba, Shivatala Sindri Mountain, Kali Puja Haritaki tala Jhar Boni Manasatal a Kalitala Guptimani Lohatikri Bisnyapur Town, Bankura Lagalpukur, Bankura Goguragram, Bankura Patakola, Bankura Lalbazararea, Bankura Lalbazararea, Bankura Bankura Town Area Bankura Bankura Town Area, Bankura Bankura Chotodhagda village, Garbeta Block, West Medinipur Baodi Fatipursing Garbeta Block, West Medinipur Meledanga, Gorbeta, West Medinipur Meledanga, Dhatiga, West Maedinipur Jhargram, West Medinipur Jhargram, West Medinipur Mangal Chandi Ban Borather Tala/Shiva Manasatala Panua village, Kotulpur, Bankura Jagal Dip village, Indus, Bankura Rajkumar, Jagal Dip village, Indus, Bankura Sitala Sani mandir Kali mandir Bhupur village, Pandua, Hugli Baiki village, Rail Gate, Hugli Simlagarh, Pandua, Hugli Manasatala Indus, Bankura Gar Mandaran Kamar Pugur, Thana Goghat, Hugli Manasatala Manasatala Manasatala Baikunthapur, Indus, Bankura Sakharipara, Indus, Bankura Sakharipara, Indus, Bankura Manasatala Kalibari Shiva Puja Haris Chak, Arambag, Hugli Fulpukur, Nayasarai, Balaragh, Hugli FulPukur, Nayasarai, Hugli Kali Puja Tikiya Para, Haora Buri Martala Kaligang Thana, Nadia Ananda Math Vairabitala Khetrapal Shivatala, Kali Shmashanka li Sri Sri Ma Alai Chandi Borkhani Baba Munshihat, Narendrapur village, Jagatballavpur, Haora Saspur, Indus, Bankura Mohanpur village, Chandarkona, West Medinipur Khirpai, Chandarkona, West Medinipur Ketharpul, Chandarkona, West Medinipur South Chandarkona, West Medinipur Sakpur, Gramkeshpur, West Medinipur Kali mandir Shiva, Ateswar Puja Bon Bibir Puja, Pir Kali mandir Shiva Sat Bhai Kalitala Banbibi Hat Gacha, Kamari, Kaligang Thana, Nadia Namkhana, North 24 Parganas Kakdwip, North 24 Parganas Kalibaripara Basirhat, North 24 Parganas Tetul Tala, Hali Sahar, North 24 Parganas Puraton Bonga Bonga, North 24 Parganas Bakkhali, South 24 Parganas

9 Page114 UthShivat ala Shivatala Shmashan Kali Salua Block, West Medinipur Kako village, Binpur, West Medinipur Mahadabda and village, Bhatar Thana, Barddhaman Elahibaba Nayagram Chanditala Maharajpur, Elahiganj, West Medinipur Jhargram, West Medinipur Rani Bajar, Ghatal, West Medinipur Saraswati and Lakshmi Narayana Manasa Sri Sri Sakhabai Chandimata mandir Mokamberia, Gadkhali Basanti, South 24 Parganas Maylakhol Basirhat, North 24 Parganas Karanji village, Ramnagar 1, East Medinipur Source: Field survey, ISLAM: In this research researcher found 43 Sacred Groves being conserved on Islamic religious and cultural ground. No tree worshipping is found here but places of namaz are conserving the sacred trees give a structuring Sacred Grove. Though it shares only % of total Sacred Groves but the character and the nature bears unique identity. Most of the Muslim Sacred Groves have a distinct large size concrete boundary-wall (plate 69) to conserve the area completely untouched. It reflects the conservative philosophy among the Muslim society. So Sacred Groves also bear the identity of Muslim perception. The Sacred Groves are based on the Mazar or graveyard, the place of citation of namaz/idhgaha or mosque. Sometimes large trees like Bot based Mazar have been found for example, Maitala of Nayasarai, Mazar of Baichi village of Hugli, or Mazar of Beladai of Haringhata (Nadia ), Grave in Mahisar (Murshidabad ) etc.

10 Page115 There are some sacred places with trees which completely resemble groves and the entrance within this bourn is completely restricted and only at the time of worshipping people can enter the grove. The examples are: Grave of Katagoria Plate 69 (Nalhati of Birbhum, plate 69), Idhgaha of Panchanadapur of Malda, Jaibaba Pirer Thaan of Fulbari (Jalpaiguri ) and Pirtala of Nityanandapur of Sonamukhi (Bankura ) etc. Like Hindu Scared Groves, Muslim Sacred Groves have also clump and sporadic trees that are being conserved with the area of sacred realm; for example, Grave of Puraton Jhargram, where more than 500 Sal trees are being conserved on a Plate 70 one hectare land (plate 70). Human induced pollutions are completely restricted in this area and people attach the modern hording, instructing visitors avoid any kind of polluting material s usage at this Sacred Grove to preserve the grove with completely piousness. The mannat/vow concept is attached with Muslim Sacred Grove such as in Pirbabar Thaan of Egra block (East Medinipur ); where people Plate 71 offer different sizes white horses (mud made) to Pirbaba. In Some Muslim Sacred Groves, photography is completely prohibited and along with the sacred pond, sacred bourn and clump of sporadic trees are

11 Page116 being conserved, for example, Pirtala in Golgram of Rayna block (Burddhaman ). Some Muslim Sacred Groves of West Bangal are being restored with its historical importance such as in Garmandaram (plate 71) in Gighat (Hugli ); where a special Sacred Grove is being conserved for a long historical period, that is famous for the story of war between Muslim King Kutul Kha and the Hindu king Birendra Singh. But after the abolition of Hindu kingship, Muslim Kutul Kha established the Grave for his commander Ishmaeil Gaji on the resident of Hindu King. This history is attached with the Sacred Grove of Garmandaram. This area is completely prohibited from entering wearing shoes and more than 1000 years old Tetul tree (Streblus asper) is being conserved in this Grove. Table 19: Islam religion based Sacred Groves in West Bengal. Districts Location Name of the Sacred Groves Murshidab Sekhdighi, Sagardihi Fulsahari Darja, ad Mazar Sharif, Lal Chand Saha Sharif East Medinipur West Medinipur Districts Location Name of the Sacred Groves Barddhama Kalna Block, Anjuman Mosque n Datan Bati, Kalna Town Kusum Bazar Mazar Khargram, Mahisar Kobor Jubilai, Gangulia Pirtala Satnakandi, Kandi Pirtala Golgram, Rayna Thana Pirtala Mahisar, 8 Km. away from Khar Gram Khar Gram Graveyard Mantheswar, Kulen Sok Pur Pirer Mela Chader Para, Jalangi Idhgaha Mogulbari, Barddhaman Pirtala Bilashpur, Kaliganj, Idhgaha Kusum Bazar Mazar Sharif Jalangi Natungram, Tal Gachi Pirtala Bardhaman Block, Moidara village, Madhab Dihi Pirer Thaan Hugli Girtala, Seakhala Mazar Bachra, Rejinagar Mosque Phurphura, Mollapara Choto Hujur Majar College Road, Egra Main Market, Chandrakona PirBabar Thaan Gangeswar Pirsaheb Thana Goghat Kamar Pugur Thana Arambag, Mutodanga village, Madhabpur Anchal Kalyanbati, Jangipara Gar Mandaran Pirer Thaan Mazar Ashrapur, Keshpur Pirbabar Thaan Ramnagar, Dadpur Khanakul Pirer Thaan Negros Thaan Maharajpur, Elahiganj Elahibaba Birbhum Akorpur, Mayureswar Pir Paloan Saheber Mazar

12 Page117 North 24 Parganas Hospital More, Balarampur Karbala Katagoria, Nalhati Cremation Ground Puraton Jhargram graveyard Illambazar Maitala Bibipur, Dhanyakuria Mazar Malda Panchanandapur, Malda Idhgaha Golabari Bazaar, Taki Grave gound Uttar College More, Dalkhola Mazar Road Dinajpur Dharmatala, Barasat Pirer Darga Jalpaiguri By Pass More, Fulbari More, Ful Bari Jai Baba Pirer Thaan Nadia Hatgacha, Kamari Pirtala Kochbihar Dinhata, Thandar Char Pagla Pir Tala (Lalan Fokir) Kulgochagram, Kaligang Place for Namaz Haora Dakshin Jagadishpur. 11sharifer Mazar Kolkata Park Circus graveyard Source: Field survey, CHRISTIANITY: Among Christians, Sacred Groves are also found but the percentage is only 0.9% of total Sacred Groves. The way of conservation of this type of groves is only along the church and within its sacred bourn mainly Pine (Pinus aphremphous) and Jhao (Casqarina equisitifdi) trees are conserved. The examples are Marimother Sacred Grove of Kalimpong, church of Kadamtala of Siliguri (Darjiling ) and church of Basanti island of South 24 Parganas. BUDDHISM: Only one Sacred Grove could be traced in the whole survey and this is found in Kunshiling guha of Buxa (Jalipaiguri ). BOTH HINDUISM AND ISLAM: Banbibi (the lady of the forest), also Bandevi, Bandurga and Byaghradevi is a guardian deity of the forests worshipped by both Hindu and Muslim residents of the Sundarbans. The example is Banbibi Sacred Grove in Bokkhali of South 24 Parganas.

13 Map 7 Page118

14 Page119 RELIGIONS AND RELATION TO SACRED GROVES: Religion is a collection of belief, cultural, and view that relate humanity to spirituality, and sometimes, to moral values. The practice of a religion may also include ritual commemoration or veneration of a God, Gods or Goddesses, sacrifices, festivals, feasts, matrimonial services, meditation, prayer, dance, music or other aspects of human culture. Hindus make up about 72.5% of the total population in West Bengal, while Muslims comprise about 25% of the population. The other minority communities in this state include Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains, which together comprise less than 1% of the entire population. About 2% of West Bengal population consists of tribal people (Bharat Online Travel Smart, n.d.). Actually these distributions are the distribution of the categories of culture of belief. Thus on the basis of beliefs and faiths lots of Sacred Groves are being conserving among different religions of West Bengal (figure 4). Figure 4: Table 20: Number and percentage of religion based Sacred Groves in West Bengal (based on surveyed data). Religions in Total number of % of % of Religions Per 1 person of each West Bengal Sacred Groves total in respect of religion conserving the which are Sacred total population number of Sacred conserving Groves in West Bengal Grove Hinduism % 72% Sacred Grove/Hindu person

15 Page120 Islam % 25% Sacred Grove/Muslim person Christianity % 1 Sacred Grove/both Buddhism % 1% Christian and Buddhist Traditional Religion/folk % 2% 10 Sacred Grove/Tribal person religion of Tribal Total % 100% Source: Field Survey, So, Sacred Groves are present among all religions of West Bengal. But the distribution is controlled by the the way of belief, i.e. Hinduism, Islamic, Christianity and Folk-religion of tribal community. Different religious spaces are conserving Sacred Groves in their own traditional ground. For example, Hindu people conserve it mainly in way of iconographic presentation (for example, binding of threads and pieces of bricks with the branches of sacred tree), Muslim people conserves mainly in ways of Idhgaha, Burial ground; Christian people conserves at the bourn of churches and the tribal people conserve completely in natural way. The presence of distinct religious population nourishes their Sacred Groves in a distinct way, i.e. where the Muslim population is higher; the Muslim Sacred Groves is higher, where the Hindu population is higher; the Hindu Sacred Groves is higher. For example, in Mushidabad the highest percent of population is Muslim (63.67%; Hussain et al., 2012), and parallel the highest number of Islam religion based Sacred Groves is found (18.60% of total Islamic Sacred Groves). In Puruliya and Bankura s major portion of tribal communities are present (17%), as a result Tribal Sacred Groves are higher in these two s jointly (79.36 % of total tribal Sacred Groves).

16 Page121 Graph 3: Abstract of religionwise population distribution in West Bengal Graph 4: Religion-wise conserving Sacred Groves in West Bengal 2% 1% Hinduism 1% Hinduism 25% 72% Islam Traditional Religion/folk religion of Tribal Christianity & Buddhism 14% 20% 65% Islam Traditional Religion/folk religion of Tribal Christianity & Buddhism From the above table (no. 20) and pie graphs (3 and 4) it is clear that, though the maximum number of Sacred Groves has been plotted on area outside Hindu religion but the actual scenario comes up when we compare the scenario of conserving Sacred groves in respect of population. Tribal people are the indigenous culture bearer where only 2% tribes of West Bengal are conserving 20% Sacred Groves. So it can be said that each 1 of the tribal person are nourishing 2 Sacred Groves on an average; where 72% Hindu are conserving only 65% Sacred Groves in West Bengal and their per head nourishment is only 0.9 Sacred Groves. 25% Muslim people are conserving only 14% and their per head nourishing rate is only 0.5 Sacred Groves. Thus it can be proved that the age-old traditional Sacred Groves is nourished among tribal s folk. The details about tribals and Sacred Groves have been analyzed in the next sub-chapter (5.2).

17 Page TRIBAL POPULATION AND SACRED GROVES TRIBAL PEOPLE AND RELATION TO SACRED GROVES: From aforesaid unit it has been cleared that in tribal society the per capita nourishment of Sacred Groves is higher comparative to all religions because tribal society mainly practices the traditional worshipping methods and the result is like 1 tribal person are conserving 2 Sacred Groves averagely in West Bengal (on the basis of total research, see table 20). In tribal societies, religion began as conglomeration of ideas, attitudes, creeds and acts of super-naturalism, beyond the realm of the normal. In early tribal societies of the world, this rudimentary form of religion played an important part in the life of the community. They have their set of community activities to ensure safety, security and prosperity which is attached with their Sacred Grove nourishing. The tribal people played an active role in the conservation of Sacred Groves and they considered environmental protection as a sacred duty. Forests and tribals have an intimate relationship since ancient time. Tribal people make their own traditional folk-religion on the basis of their traditional belief on nature and natural items. Folk-religion consists of ethnic or regional religious customs under the umbrella of an organized religion but outside of official doctrine and practices. Folk-religion is the totality of all those views and practices of religion that exist among the people apart from and alongside the strictly theological and liturgical forms of the official religion. In folk-religion, tribal people believe on some traditional thinking or maintain rituals through Sacred Groves like curses, demons and witchcraft. Tribals preserve forest patches traditionally on religious grounds, worship forest-gods and maintain intrinsic relationship with nature. Flora in the forests preserved on the basis of such religious beliefs is rich. These Sacred Groves in tribal areas are worshipped in different religious functions and plays an important role in social and cultural avenue. This tradition also helps to maintain

18 Page123 ecological balance and support climax vegetation (Kumbhojkar ei al., 1996, p ). Deb and Malhotra (1997, p ) report that, among the tribals of south-west Bengal, social gatherings take place in these groves on the occasion of Salui and Karam festivals, as well as wedding ceremonies. On the basis of different folk-gods tribal-folks arrange their Sacred Groves. For example, the popular Gods of tribe is: Marang Buru, Moreko, Jair era, Gosain era, Pargana, Manjhi. All the Gods have their allotted place in the Sacred Groves, and are worshipped only in public place. Marang Buru alone is also worshipped privately in the family. Another example of folk-deity is attached with Sacred Groves formation, i.e. Gramadevata. No temples existed in India during the Vedic period. They were not to be found in the Pre-Buddhist period except for some wooden ones. The various Gods and Goddesses whom the indigenous population of West Bengal worshipped, was not accustomed to dwell in the secluded atmosphere of temples; they loved the open air. The deity may be in the shadow of a big tree. Generally they are lodged in small shrines. The concept of the worship of the Gramadevata first became popular among the tribals (Tiwari, 2002, p.109). In a good number of villages, no object is placed to represent the deity and the tree itself is regarded as the embodiment of the deity among tribal society. Sacred Grove is the property of tribal community. In tribal Sacred Groves, the anthropomorphic idols are very rare. Their deities are mountain, termite mound, trees, animals of the forest and rivers-untamed nature. According to tribal folklore, they don t venture into these forests alone. Traditional belief among tribal groups is that it is a sin to cut trees, break leaves and pluck flowers from there Sacred Groves. Tribes are the integrated part of the nature oriented culture. Sacred Groves are basically related with tribe and their life. From the whole survey more than 63 tribal Sacred Groves have been observed. The basic characteristics of these Sacred

19 Page124 Groves are: the complete nature bourn, the core center of their culture and the identity of their tribal life. Relation between Tribal People and Sacred Groves Tradition of nature conservation. People are illiterate and scrupulously nurtured their traditions. Maintaining traditional rituals and festivals (like: Sarul, Jathal, Ashari, Bandna, Maghi, Ma-More). Forest oriented deities (like: Marang Buru, Jaher era, Erosim, Harihorsim). Value of season oriented ritual maintaining (Marang Buru During Full Moon Night of Spring, Erosim During Summer before Oryza Seed Sowing, Ashari During Rainy Season Before Paddy Planting, Bandna During Autumn after Deepawali, Maghi During Winter after Harvest, Ma-More During Alternately 5-10 Years when at Epidemics). Natural Sacrificial system and belief {Various animals (ex. Fowl for Ox Worshippng or Erosim deity, Pigeon for Marang Buru) and or plants (ex. Twigs of Sheora for deity Marang Buru, Spikelets of Oryza for deity Erosim) are sacrificed to realize the gentlest boon of the deity. In times of familiar crisis, the family members take vow before the deity for getting rid of the crisis. When crisis is wiped out by the boon of the deity, she is propitiated in terms of various offering, gifts or sacrifices in the form of living animals and or plants or terracotta (Krishna, 1997, p.253) of animals and birds etc.}. Belief about worshipping i.e. worshipping the Goddess ensures protection from wild animals. Deities are represented by burnt clay idols of horses and elephants. Belief on forest of Goddess. Most backward by any criterion (malnutrition, illiterate, hunger, hunter, semi-naked clothing, gathering means of living) Religious superstition acts as powerful means for the conservation. Community management is higher. Their feeling about nature is common property. Nourishment of monoculture about deity worshipping. The familiar relation of tribes with flowers and trees. Plate 72: Erosim in Puruliya.

20 Page125 The detail of tribal based Sacred Groves nourishment has been dealt in below- LODHA: They form a peculiar possessiveness towards their tradition and love to keep it confined within their own community were locals are mere spectators. For example, in Lodhasol tribal village Plate 73 of Keshyari block of West Medinipur, neighbour can enjoy only the rituals of tree worshipping (Sal puja/worshipping of Sal tree/shorea robusta, plate 73) from far and they can t interfere directly into the tree-worshipping of Lodha tribes. Actually, the time of blossoming of Sal trees is the time of worshipping of Salai puja. Among Lodha tribes Manasa puja is also celebrated with pomp. For example, in Lodhasol village (the Lodha tribe oriented) of Keshiyari block (West Medinipur ), Bot tree (Ficus benghalensis) is being conserved for Manasa worshipping. MURA: The tribal based Sacred Groves are mainly grove-shaped and they have special rules. Plate 74 For example, Baghmundi, (Puruliya ) Sacred Grove (plate 74) is found and within this jungle Marang Buru deity is worshipped by Mura tribes where females are not allowed to enter. Different trees are being conserved within this Sacred Grove like: Sal (Shorea robusta), Akar (Aquillaria malaccensis), Simul (Bombax indica), Khejur (Phoenix

21 Page126 sylvestris) etc. The nature of worshipping is completely nature oriented and people associate their sacred identification with their jungle erecting red flags. The mud horses and elephants are used by Mura tribe during the worshipping at a specific place within this jungle. In whole year, entry to this sacred area is completely restricted and only during Chaitrya month (only the day of worshipping) people can visit here. SANTAL: In community the worshipping is mainly confined under the clump of trees. people maintain the sacred tradition of Marang Buru. It is said that He (Marang Buru) Plate 75 possesses the widest possible powers and is associated with both God and mischievous God-lings. Among s a tale is endorsed, that is, during the flood hazards they migrated to the peak of mountain to protect themselves and they believe the mountain to be the God who saved them from dying (flood hazard). But due to globalization the mountain worshipping of tribal people has changed and the Marang Buru festival is being maintained under the Sal trees (Shorea robusta) or Pakur trees (Sicus infectoria). Among them some examples are: Marang Buru puja of Khash jungle village of West Medinipur, and Mokorkol village of Sarenga block of West Medinipur (plate 75) where people worship a moram rock and place the vowed horses under sacred Pakur tree. In community the worshipping of Kali within the clump of trees is also prevalent in Saluni village of West Medinipur (plate 76)

22 Page127 where different trees are being conserved such as: Pakur (Sicus infectoria), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globus) and people worship the Goddess Kali on a holy place and they believe that the enclosed trees of this Sacred-Thaan is the abode of Devi, so, they conserve this Sacred Island as Sacred Grove. They are supposed to preside over particular rural areas in which they live. Another village deity is Monrenko Turuiko. The s believe that they were five brothers. They are supposedly responsible for the welfare of the village. His younger sister Gosane era constitutes a separate deity of Jaher Thaan (Holy grove) and is worshipped in a different hut, Jaher era, another sister of Monrenko is the Goddess of Jaher Thaan named after her. She has a stone assigned as her symbol. The s worship her for the general welfare of the village. So that their children may have good health, crops may grow in plenty and youths and maids of the tribe may be married quickly. Bandna means bandana' or worship. This festival is celebrated during Plate 76 Kali Puja in autumn. Bandna Parab welcomes Shashya Devi (Goddess of grains) by worshipping her through different rituals. On the basis of folk-gods of particular tribe, different sacred trees are conserved. For example, in Mokorkol village of Sarenga block of Bankura, Sidhu-Kanu- Hull festival was held under Pakur tree (Sicus infectoria) and through this way the Pakurtala/the shade with that tree became the part of Sacred Groves. Folk-God means any human-being who may be treated as Gods or Goddesses when his/her activities will be popularized as the activity

23 Page128 of God. Thus Sidhu and Kanu were the pioneers and pathfinders for the development of community and these two persons are worshipped till now by community. In this way several folk-tales are associated with Scared Groves. Some Adibashi people of Brahmandiha village in Sarenga block of Bankura (plate 77) maintained their traditional Sacred Grove Plate 77 with the celebration of Masadbouni festival and in this way Ashwattha tree (Ficus religiosa) is being conserved for more than 100 years. People give the gift of mannat or vow items to their God like black and brown coloured mud- made horses and elephants and all these are preserved in this Sacred Grove throughout the year. LOHA: Among Loha tribe Sacred Grove is also prominant. In Kurchidanga village (Bikrampur) of Sarenga block of Bankura, Loha tribe worships the Gariasan thakur under the Ashwattha tree (Ficus religiosa). In Manikdipa village of Garbeta there are two Sacred Plate 78 Groves are being conserved in the form of jungle and the Loha tribe performs the Ergakumari puja in the interior of this jungle. In this way, Chalta (Dillenia indica), and Sheora trees (Streblus asper) are being conserved (plate 78) here.

24 Page129 BHUMIJ: They are mainly found in Barabhum, Baghmundi, Patkum, and Dhalbhum of Puruliya. They are nourishing different Sacred Groves in the process of nourishing of folk-deities. For example, Bhansingh festival (there is no image of Bhansingh who is regarded as God to protect cattle, held during the Bengali month of Magh/15 th January to 15 th February), Akhan Jatra (first day of Magh is regarded as Akhan Jatra) and people believe as a very auspicious day. RABHAS: Various spirits and natural objects pervade the religious world of the Rabhas. The main deity of the Rabhas is Rishi. Rishi, for the forest Rabhas as well as village Rabhas, is a male deity and is also known as Mahakal (for example, ChootoMahakaldham of Jalpaiguri ). Table 21: List of conserving Sacred Groves among Tribal societies of West Bengal. Name of Sacred Groves Bagra Thaan Boram Thaan Boram Thaan Boram Thaan Conservi ng by tribal commun ity Loha Loha Loha Location Chipu village, Manbazar, Puruliya Sarup Narayanpur village, Lalgarh, West Medinipur Birkhara village, Lalgarh, West Medinipur Jhilimili, West Medinipur Conserving trees Mol, Sal Bot, Neem, Kuchla, Shera,Challa Sal Sal Name of Sacred Groves Gagoram, Bhansingh puja Gagoram, Akhanjanj atra. Garambur i Thakur Gonamun di Conservi ng by tribal commun ity Bhumij Bhumij Location Salboni, Puruliya Chipu village, Manbazar, Puruliya Merechoki village, Khesariya, West Medinipur Bastavpur Sonamukhi, Bankura Conservin g trees Bot Eucalyptus Kadam Babla, Knegur, Geol Burisani Burisol village, Salboni, West Medinipur Chullata la, Loha Kushgeri village, Keshirya Block, Bot, Akar Jalla Grama Devi Grama Devi Adra, Puruliya Adra, Puruliya Sawra Monkurkur

25 Page130 Baram Thaan Dakoital a Egraku mari Puja Loha West Medinipur Gopiballavpur, West Medinipur Manicdipa village, Garbeta, West Medinipur Erosim Talerbandh, Bankura Bot, Sheora Asathya Sheora Sal, Bhela Gram Baba Thakur Grama Devata Grama Devata Puruliya Municipality, Puruliya ChetaSul village, Shimlapal Block, Bankura Belpahari, West Medinipur Abra Khejur, Eucalyptus Erosim, Bamnisa la Erosim, Beldang a Bamnisala, Saltora, Bankura Beldanga, Gangajalghati, Bankura Ankra, Sheora, Kalikend Sal, Putla Grama Devata Harihorsi m, Erosim Lodha Naya Basant, Dompara, Gopiballavpur, West Medinipur Shibkunda, Bankura Karabi, Neem, Jalla Sal, Koen, Mohul Erosim, Ox, sonin-law Jaher Thaan, Erosim Jaher Thaan, Beldabu ri Jaher Thaan, Bhadasp ur, Koramud is Siberbandh, Bankura Gengari, Bankura Hatibari village, Shimlapal Block, Bankura Bhadaspur, Saltora, Bankura Jaher Jaypur, Bankura Sal, Sindha, Kurchi Sal, Sindha Sheora, Khekjur Sheora, Ankra, Koitbael Ankra,Challa, Koen, Mohul Harihorsi m, Manasa Thaan Lodha Lodha Nayagram, Jhargram P.O., West Medinipur Lodhasola village, Keshirya Block, West Medinipur Manasa Choto Belun, Barddhaman Manasatal a Mahakal puja Rabhas Kurchidanga village, Bikrampur, Bankura Doars, Jalpaiguri Apang, Bael, Akarh, Kalmegh, Punarnava, Latapalash, Thankuni, Churchuri, Kham Alu, Talmuli, Gurmar, Anantamul, Bot Bael Bamboo Peepal, Kamala,

26 Page131 Thaan, Jaher Meghna Jhar Boni Kamar Mura Kudratal a Latasini Thaan Lohatikr i Maranb uro Ma Ranangi ritala Mura Majhi Lodha Ranichok Gram, Amrakuchi, West Medinipur Baodi- Fatipursing, Garbeta, West Medinipur Jaipur, Puruliya BelSule village, Bishnupur, Bankura Between Sorsai- Dantikka village, Lalgarh, West Medinipur Lohatikri, Jhargram P.O., West Medinipur Digirtore, Khatra II, Bankura Krishnanagar Barjara, Bankura Pakur Tetul Bot, Bael, Sal, Bamboo, Kolke Sal Challa Kalmegh, Ishermul, Latakanchan, Punarnava, Latapalash, Thankuni, Churchuri, Talmuli, Parashu, Kham Alu, Bainchi, Gurmar, Anantamul, Bantulsi, Tulsi, Sheora, Kuchila Lamk, Palash, Shishu Marang Buru Marang Buru Marang Buru Marang Buru Marang Buru Soliwala, Bankura Majherdanga, Bankura Charidhagram, Baghmundi, Puruliya Kulugora, Bankura Sarenga Block, Bankura Salai Lodha Guptimani, Jhargram P.O., West Medinipur Marang Buru Bamnisala, Saltora, Bankura Segun, Boric Salai Lodha Muslo, Bankura Siris, Gamhar, Harra, Lychee Asan, Koen, Mohul, Jaam Sal, Bahera Sal, Kolke, Palash, Akar, Simul, Khejur Piasal, Simal, Aam Pakur Kunch, Patari, Muktajhuri, Apang, Kalmegh, Kadam, Punarnava, Bandarlati, Churchuri, Parashu, Bainchi, Kurchi, Bherenda, Bantulsi, Tulsi Kend, Sal, Haritaki Sal, Swet Masad Brahmandiha Pakur Salai Lodha Sarul, Natun Sal, Koen,

27 Page132 Bouni Ox, Napitda nga ox, Baishna b Bandh Rangini Thaan Raibagh eswari Thaan Kora village, Bankura Napitdanga, Patrasaer, Bankura Saltora, Bankura Chalkdhava, Bankura Baishnab Bandh, Bankura Khatra Block, Bankura Raibadhni Gram, Puruliya Salai Lodha Krishnerdanga, Bankura Salai Lodha Dalangora, Taldangra, Taldanga block, Bankura Salai Lodha Dhadkidanga, Bankura Source: Field survey, Sal, Bahera Sheora, Koit, Bael, Ankra Sal, Kurchi, Pial Bandh, Bankura Salai Puja, Khas Jangal Marang Gram, Lalgarh, Buru West Medinipur Salpuja Lodha Lodhasola village, Keshirya Block, West Medinipur Sarhul, Simalari Mohul, Neem Sal Sal Munda Bankura Koen, Mohul, Kend, Bainchi Sal, Aam, Pial Sarhul, Munda Siakuldaba, Bankura Sal, Pakur Ox, Binodpu r Ox, Son-inlaw Sidhu- Kanu Hul Puja Ramnagar P.O., Mura Gram, Lalgarg, West Medinipur Peepal Sidua Satmahani village, Gopiballavpur, West Medinipur Sal, Bahera Sal, Palash, Lamk Sal, Chakalda, Neem Son-inlaw Bamnisala, Saltora, Bankura son-in-law Chandipur, Bankura Lamk, Palash, Sal, Sheora Pakur Bot, Sheora Ankra, Sheora, Palash Kend, Sal, Sheora Hypothesis proved : Per head Sacred Groves conservation and nourishment is higher among tribal society compared to the others.

28 Page LANDFORMS AND SACRED GROVES {Relation analysis mainly between Plateau and Mountain (also hills and foothill) area of West Bengal} Landforms and Sacred Groves have a deep relation. A landform is a space for living-beings of different floral, faunal and human-being. On the characteristics of landforms, the distribution scenario of biotic world depends. The culture of people on space is largely determined by landforms-characteristics. For example, in plateau area the availability of floral and faunal community govern the life and culture of human communities. It can be said that the landform identity is dependent on the habitat of the human-community. In plateau area of West Bengal large dense mixed forests are available and different tribal communities like, Lodha, Gond etc. are nourishing their life with jungle-culture in that place. In this way they developed their Sacred Groves culture being an integral part of their habitation. The traditional life of tribal people in plateau area is conserving more number of Sacred Groves. The existing trees are their gods and goddesses and the clumps of trees are the abode of their goddess. This traditional belief is being preserved among the plateau landforms of West Bengal on the basis of the tribal habitat. In mountain area numbers of tribes are found like Rava, Mech etc. but the number is less than plateau area. Among them Sacred Groves worshipping is prominent but mainly in way of tree/plant worshipping. Moreover, the population size is comparatively less than the tribal population of plateau, so less number of settlement and tribal communities nourish less number of Sacred Groves. In mountain region due to huge forest and harsh landforms the accessibility of people is very less compared to plateau. So, development of Sacred Groves is very less. In recent the pocket-urbanization is another cause of less Sacred Groves in mountain area than plateau area. The relation has been proved through the application of quadrate method (grid size 4cm. x 4cm.) on plateau and mountain area of West Bengal (table 22 and 23).

29 Page134 No. of Sacred Groves in per 100 sq. km. Table 22: Landforms-Sacred Groves relation. Land forms Grid No. on Map (grid size: 4 cm. x 4 cm.) Area of each grid on land Total no. of observed Sacred Groves from each grid Plateau 1 10 Total Each 5 8 Grid is sq km. 5 Hill/ 1 1 Total foothill/ mountai n Source: Field survey, observe d Sacred Groves = 57 observe d Sacred Groves = 5 Statistical relation between Area and Sacred Groves Average Scenario = Total no. of observed Sacred Groves x 100 Total grids size on land 5.7 Sacred Groves /100 sq. km. 0.7 Sacred Groves /100 sq. km. Graph 5: Comparative view of Sacred Groves between Plateau and Mountain/ Foot Hill areas of West Bengal ( ) Plateau Plateau Landforms Foot Hill/ Mountain Hill/ mountain

30 Page135 Table 23: Landform-wise list of Sacred Groves (based on quadrate method). In Plateau Grid No. Sacred Groves Location Grid No. Sacred Groves Location 1 Bamnisala (I) Saltora, Bankura 2 Sindri Manbazar, Puruliya Bamnisala (II) Saltora, Bankura Graveyard Manbazar, Puruliya Bamnisala (III) Saltora, Bankura Gagoram Chipu village, Manbazar, Puruliya Bhadaspur Saltora, Bankura Gramthakur Gopalpur, Manbazar, Puruliya Binodpur Saltora, Bankura Sasankali and Hanuman Jorbandh, Manbazar, Puruliya Basoli Avadanga, Saltora, Bankura Shiva mandir Budhpur Gram, Manbazar, Puruliya Mahatirthya Biharinathdham Shiva mandir Bhairavtala Avadanga, Saltora, Bankura Itarigram, Saltora, Bankura Bharatpur, Saltora, Bankura Bagra Thaan Manasatala Bagrangbalitalas Budhpur Gram, Manbazar, Puruliya Budhpur Gram, Manbazar, Puruliya Budhpur Gram, Manbazar, Puruliya Chanditala Baradia, Matori, Saltora, Bankura 4 Sastitala Jhaldia, Puruliya 3 Gramadevi Kashipur, Rejopara, Bankura Sastitala Anandabazar, Jhaldia, Puruliya Kali mandir Hura, Bankura Kalitala Kalipahar, Puruliya Maguri hill Bara Baba Hura, Bankura Sankat Mochon mandir Anandabazar, Jhaldia, Puruliya Baram Lalpur, Hura, Bankura Sidhu-Kanu Birshamore, Jhaldia, Puruliya Shiva Mandia Jambaj, Hura, Bankura 6 Burial Ground Teleopara, Puruliya Municipality, Puruliya Hanumantala Jainagar, Hura, Bankura 5 Naktitala Burga Gram, Baghmundi, Puruliya Chaitanyatala Charidhagram, Baghmundi, Puruliya Marang Buru Charidhagram, Baghmundi, Puruliya Marang Buru Charidhagram, Baghmundi, Puruliya Burial Ground Grambaba Grambaba Maguria Hanumantala Teleopara, Puruliya Municipality, Puruliya Abra, Puruliya Abra, Puruliya Deshbandhu, Bankura Raniroad, Bankura

31 Page136 Ram mandir Ajadhya hill, Baghmundi, Puruliya Sharul puja Ajadhya hill, Baghmundi, Puruliya Shivatala Bareriamore, Baghmundi, Puruliya 7 Manasa Balarampur, Puruliya Karbela Pirer Hospitalmore, Thaan Balarampur, Puruliya Machandi Protiti village, Hospitalmore, Puruliya Raibagheswari Thaan Raibadhgram, Bankura Hanumantala Sinchasmore, Bankura 8 Shivatala Raghunathpur, Bankura Shivatala Raghunathpur, Bankura Sitala Sankarpara, Raghunathpur, Bankura Shivatala Sankarpara, Raghunathpur, Bankura Kothas Thaan Salboni, Puruliya Marang Buru Raghunathpur, Bankura Gagoram Salboni, Puruliya 10. Bandarpahar Maithan, Bzrddhaman 9 Gagoram Jhilimili, Bankura Shivatala Kalnyaneswari, Barddhaman Gagoram Daspara, Khajuria, Bankura Hanumantala Kalnyaneswari temple Nakrajura Kalnyaneswari, Barddhaman Kalnyaneswari, Barddhaman Salarpur, Barddhaman In Mountain/Hill and Foothill Area 1 Shivadham Rongtong, Darjiling 2 NA 3 Dhirdham Darjiling 4 Merimother church Kalimpong, Darjiling 5 Veku Pagla Baba Hashimara, Jalpaiguri 6 Chotamahakal Jayanti, Jalpaiguri 7 NA Source: Field survey, From the above table (22 and 23) and bar graph (5) it has been proved that large numbers of Sacred Groves are being conserved in every 100 sq. km. of plateau landform. The value is 5.7 Sacred Groves in every 100 sq. km.; where very little numbers (0.7 in per 100 sq. km.) of Sacred Groves are being conserved in mountain also hill and foothill area landform of West Bengal. It has many causes but mainly related with the tribal traditions, rituals, cultures, faith and availability of resources. In plateau area tree is the main resource, so, they are dependent on trees and tit s by-products largely. The importance of the demand raises the importance of the

32 Page137 conservation of the same. The key causes of the differences of the Sacred Groves conservation between plateau and hill are outlined under the following figures. Causes for higher number of Sacred Groves (5.7 per 100 Sq. km.) in Plateau area of West Bengal Under developed Large no. of tribal pockets Nourishing more traditional practices by tribal people Highly folk-religion, folk-belief and folk-culture Lack of resource variability Rural settlement is higher comparison to urban towns Lack of modernization and globalization Lack of tourism-crowd Causes for lower number of Sacred Groves (0.7 per 100 Sq. km.) in Mountain area of West Bengal Less number of tribal community compared to plateau area Huge forest so less important about clump of pockets of groves / island like sacred jungle Tree worshipping are more rather grove Recent highly pocket-urbanization Impact of modernization and local people adopting it rampantly Comparative developed than plateau Less folk culture are nourishing Highly tea plantation zone Small no. of settlement, population and inhabitation ( because Sacred Groves are the culture which is nourished by human habitats) Hypothesis proved: In plateau, the nature and extent of Sacred Groves conservation is more than mountain/hill and foothill area.

33 Page SETTLEMENTS AND SACRED GROVES Settlements and Sacred Groves are interrelated phenomena. But the nature of settlements largely controls the identity and presence of Sacred Groves. Sacred Groves is nourished at the fringe of the villages or at a distance from settlements. This is because people believe that this distance will preserve the sacredness of the Sacred Groves. With the process of urbanization the Sacred Groves are reducing from our settlement geography and a complete scenario of West Bengal has been evolved under the following tables (24) and graphs (6 and 7). Table 24: Sacred Groves in Urban landscape (based on surveyed data). Name of The Sacred Groves Shmashan Kali, Hanuman Shivatala Baeltala Shiva Bari Shiva, Kali Mazar Rakshya Kali Sacred Hot Spring Ghat, One Ghat of 51 Ghat Gutulikalital a Location Side of Torsa River, Hashimara Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri FCI Godaon, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri Alipurduar Court, Jalpaiguri Shiva Bari, Alipurduar Junction, Chechamata, Jalpaiguri Per House Side, Raiganj, North Dinajpur College More Dalkhola, North Dinajpur Bogrul Gram, Dubrajor Thana, Kukhutia Dubrajpur, Birbhum Bokreswar, Hot Spring Ghat, Bakreswar temple, Dubrajpur, Birbhum Monoharpur, Nanur, Birbhum Name of The Sacred Groves Manasa Karbala (Pirbabar Thaan) Gagoram Gagoram Radha Krishna Gramadevi Bhairavtala Baeltala, Sannyashi Baba Sastitala, Rupchand Location Name of The Sacred Groves Balarampur, Puruliya Balarampur, Puruliya Balarampur, Puruliya Barabazar/Barabh um, Sindri, Puruliya Adra, Puriliya Adra, Puriliya Balarampur, Bankura Bankura Town area, Bankura Bankura Town Area, Bankura Beldanga Sacred Groves Mosque, Kalna Anjuman Datanbati Tala Kali mandir graveyard Baramtala Pir Baba Pir Babar Thaan Narayani Mar mandir Pir Thaan Location Beldanga, Bankura Kalna Town, Hugli Rani Ghat, Side of Bhagirathi River Navadwip, Nadia Puraton Jhargram, West Medinipur Puraton Jhargram, West Medinipur College Road, Egra, East Medinipur Egra 2, East Medinipur Egra 2, East Medinipur Ramnagar, Dadpur, Haora

34 Page139 Monoharpur, Nanur, Kalitala Birbhum Baba Gosai Asansol, Barddhaman Ashram Source: Field survey, Map 8 Baba Sindri Mountain, Kali puja Ma Ranangiritala Bankura Kali mandir Bara Kalibaripara Basirhat, North 24 Parganas Krishnanagar, Bankura

35 Page140 Table 25: Presence of Sacred Groves in Urban and Rural landscape (based on surveyed data). Types of settlement landscapes Urban (total 375; census of India, 2001) 1 Total number in West Bengal % of people live in each landscape (census 2011) 2 Mega 1 0 Urban 57 1 Agglomeration 31.89% City/town Total no. of observed Sacred Groves 31 % of Sacred Grove located in each settlement category Percentage of Sacred Groves in landscape wise (Settlement-Sacred Groves relation) 9.84% 0.30 Sacred Grove/Urban person of Urban settlement Rural 68.11% % 1.32 Sacred Grove/Rural person or Rural settlement Total 100% % Source: Field survey, Graph 6: Rural-Urban Population in West Bengal : The Distribution Graph 7 : Rural-Urban Sacred Groves in West Bengal :The Contrast 10% 32% Rural Rural 68% Urban 90% Urban From the above pie graphs (6 and 7) it is clear that the belief of urban heart in Sacred Groves is very deteriorating and the value resting at 9.8% (present in urban landscape) showing its witness. A most thoughtful issue has been raised here i.e. 1 urban person nourish only 0.3 Sacred Grove, where 1 rural person of West Bengal nourish 1.3 Sacred Grove. 1 Th. Brinkhoff: The Principal Agglomerations of the World,