Traditional botanical wisdom of Birhore tribes of Jharkhand

Abstract

The state, Jharkhand, as the name suggests, is rich in biodiversity and their traditional usage. Birhore, a dwindling tribe of Jharkhand is the custodian of traditional botanical knowledge. Their day to day life is dependent solely on forest. Their ways of utilizing plants as food, medicine and for other house hold purposes are not only novel but scientific also. Because of various anthropogenic as well as natural reasons, the population of Birhores is declining rapidly. It is, therefore, urgent to document their knowledge. Conservation and proper management of local vegetation is required for sustainable existence of the tribe. The paper deals with the plants used by this tribe for various purposes.