List of Sacred Groves in India: Background, Importance & More| UPSC Notes

Sacred groves in India are natural areas of vegetation that a particular community protects due to religious beliefs and are dedicated to a local deity. They have been protected for centuries and serve as essential biodiversity hotspots but are currently under threat due to urbanization and modernization. The local community assumes responsibility for safeguarding and nurturing these areas.

This topic primarily belongs to the General Studies Paper III of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, under the subject of Environment and Ecology. Additionally, it intersects with aspects of Indian Culture and Heritage, which can be relevant to General Studies Paper I as well.

What are Sacred Groves?

Sacred groves are patches of forested areas or individual trees protected by local communities or religious groups as sacred or holy spaces. These groves are typically found in regions with a long history of nature worship and animistic beliefs. 

In India, the sacred groves are called 'Devara Kadu' in Kannada, 'Devrai' in Marathi, and 'Sarna' in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. They are known as 'backups' in South Africa, 'sacred forests' in West Africa, and 'kaya forests' in Kenya.

Some forests are very special to certain groups of people because they connect to their beliefs or their family history. These forests are important to protect because they also help to keep some animals and plants safe, which is important for the environment.

In many cases, sacred groves have been protected for centuries or even millennia, and have survived despite the pressures of deforestation and modernization. They are often seen as a symbol of the community's commitment to preserving their traditional way of life and protecting the natural environment.

Sacred groves are an essential reminder of the interdependence between humans and the natural world and are a valuable cultural and ecological resource.

Read Environment UPSC Notes here.

Background of Sacred Groves in India

Sacred groves, known as 'Devara Kadu' in Kannada and 'Devrai' in Marathi, have a long history in India. These groves are typically found in rural areas and are protected by local communities for their spiritual, cultural, and ecological significance.

These special forests are found in places where there are many different types of animals and plants. People are starting to realize how important these forests are for nature and for people's culture, and are working to keep them safe and healthy.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of sacred groves for conservation efforts and their cultural and spiritual value. Many NGOs and government agencies in India are working to protect and promote the conservation of sacred groves, recognizing their potential as valuable cultural and ecological resources. 

Read about Natural Vegetation in India!

List of Sacred Groves in India 

Here is a table containing some of the well-known Sacred Groves in India:

List of Sacred Groves in India
State / Union Territories	Number of Sacred Forests
Maharashtra	1600
Kerala	1500 approx.
Karnataka	1476
Andhra Pradesh	750
West Bengal	670
Chhattisgarh	600
Rajasthan	560
Himachal Pradesh	329
Odisha	322
Manipur	365
Uttarakhand	133
Puducherry	108
Tamil Nadu	448
Jharkhand	29
Gujarat	29
Sikkim	56
Meghalaya	125
Goa	93
Jammu & Kashmir	92
Telangana	65
Assam	40
Bihar	43
Haryana	57
Uttar Pradesh	32
Arunachal Pradesh	58

Read about the National Green Tribunal UPSC Topic on this link ! 

Importance of Sacred Groves in India 

These groves play an essential role in the preservation of biodiversity and the conservation of endangered species. Here is the importance of Sacred Groves in India:

• They serve as a natural resource for the local communities and provide them with various ecosystem services such as clean air, water, and soil.
• Sacred groves also play a significant role in the cultural and religious practices of the local communities and are often associated with rituals and ceremonies.
• They have also been used for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources by the local communities for generations.
• Sacred groves also act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change's effects.
• They are home to a wide variety of medicinal plants and herbs used for traditional healing practices.
• Sacred groves also help in soil conservation and prevent soil erosion, which is essential for maintaining the fertility of the land.
• Protecting these groves also helps maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem, which is crucial for the survival of various species of flora and fauna.
• Sacred groves are sometimes the only parts left of really old forests that were cut down for people to live or farm. These special forests are important because they keep some very old and special types of trees and plants safe, which helps nature stay healthy.
• The unique microclimatic conditions of these groves also support the growth of rare and endemic plant species which may not be found elsewhere in the region.
• In addition to biodiversity conservation, sacred groves also help conserve cultural diversity. They are often associated with local legends, myths, and beliefs transmitted orally from generation to generation. Thus, the protection of these groves also helps to preserve the intangible cultural heritage of the community.
• Sacred groves also serve as essential ecotourism destinations, which generate income for the local communities. By preserving these groves, the communities can benefit economically while protecting their natural and cultural heritage.
• The conservation of sacred groves also helps to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and droughts. The dense vegetation cover and tree root system help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, reducing the risk of these disasters.
• Sacred groves also have a positive impact on the overall well-being of the community. The greenery and tranquillity of these groves provide a peaceful and calming environment, which has been shown to have mental and physical health benefits.

Significant Threats to Sacred Groves in India

The Sacred groves in India are under threat for many reasons listed below. Additionally, a lack of awareness and government action to protect these sacred sites also contribute to their vulnerability.

• Deforestation is due to urban planning, agriculture, and logging.
• Grazing and browsing by livestock leads to the degradation of vegetation and soil.
• Invasive species like Lantana camara compete with native plant species for resources.
• Encroachment and conversion of sacred groves into agricultural land, residential areas, and industrial sites.
• Lack of community participation and awareness about the importance of sacred groves leads to neglect and degradation.
• Climate change and its impacts, including droughts, floods, and changing rainfall patterns, affect the ecology and biodiversity of sacred groves.
• Commercial exploitation of sacred grove resources, such as timber and non-timber forest products.
• Poor enforcement of existing laws and regulations, leading to illegal logging, encroachment, and destruction of sacred groves.
• Mining activities near or within sacred groves can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and the destruction of flora and fauna.
• Dam construction and other hydrological projects alter the natural water flows in and around sacred groves, leading to habitat loss and disturbance.
• Increased tourism and pilgrimage activities can lead to littering, pollution, and trampling of natural vegetation.
• Climate change-induced events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and wildfires can cause severe damage to sacred groves and their ecosystems.
• Fragmentation and isolation of sacred groves due to habitat loss and degradation, leading to loss of genetic diversity and reduced resilience to environmental stressors.
• Lack of policy support and inadequate legal frameworks for conserving and managing sacred groves.
• Sometimes, there are special places in nature called sacred groves. But we don't know a lot about the plants and animals that live there because scientists haven't studied them enough. This makes it hard to know how to protect these special places and the creatures that call them home.

Also, check out the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity article for UPSC Preparation!

Examples of Sacred Groves in India

Some major examples of Sacred Groves in India is as follows :

Odisha

• In Odisha, groves are referred to as Jahera or Thakuramma.
• These groves are dedicated to deities such as Jhakeri, Gram Siri, Gossa Pennu, Pitabaldi, Loha Penu, Gaisri, and Pat Baram.
• Some examples of sacred groves in Odisha, including Alligam, Maulimaa, Bhairabguda, Dudhari, Mali Dusara, and Kanta Basunsuni, are devoted to these deities.
• The sacred groves in Odisha are home to some unique socio-cultural plants like Saraca asoca, Mesua ferrea, Memecylon umbellatum, Michelia champaca, Bombax ceiba, Murraya paniculata, Couroupita guianensis, and more.

Assam 

• Sacred groves are special places in nature where people have traditions that help protect the plants and animals living there. For example, in some groves, it's not allowed to hunt deer during their mating season. This is to help the deer have babies and make sure there are enough deer in the future. Also, the groves provide a safe place for birds to build their nests and take care of their babies. This helps ensure that the birds have a good chance of surviving and growing their populations.

Chhattisgarh 

• The sacred groves of Chhattisgarh, also known as "Devbani", are patches of forest considered sacred by the local communities in Chhattisgarh, India.
• These groves are usually located near villages and protected by the communities.
• The groves are considered the abode of various deities and spirits and are thus protected as they are believed to be essential for the community's well-being.
• The local communities have traditionally protected these groves through various customs and taboos.

Goa

• The village of Keri in Sattari, Goa is home to some of the most well-preserved sacred groves in the state.
• These groves are known for their unique tradition of offering terracotta animals. Some notable sacred groves in Goa include Devachi Rai in Kopardem, Holiyechirai in Caranzol, and Nirankarachirai in Bambar. The deities to which the sacred groves in Goa are dedicated are Durgah and Rashtroli, locally referred to as Deorai and Pann.

Haryana

• In Haryana, a grove is commonly referred to as a Gurudwara grove. 
• These groves serve as a sanctuary for medicinal plants and a provider of honey, fruits, and water. 
• Among the various plant species in these sacred groves are White Pear, Mandarin, Bruisewort, Garden Violet, Lac tree, Elm, Pipal, and Banyan.

Jammu & Kashmir

• The Banis are the revered forests in Jammu & Kashmir, characterized by various plant species such as Indian plum, Mountain ebony, Pipal, Three-leaved Caper, White Fig, Bengal quince, and Neem.

Karnataka

• In Karnataka, groves are classified into two categories: smaller groves referred to as Kans, which are completely protected, and more extensive groves known as Devarkadu or Devarkan, which function as resource forests providing both ecological security and sustenance. 
• These groves have a distinct feature in the form of terracotta hounds offered in the Kodagu groves. 
• The groves have various local names, such as Huli devarakadu, Nagavan, Bhatappavana, Jatakappan Bana, and Ghodi Bana.

Maharashtra

• In the western region, the sacred groves are called Devrai or Devrahati, while the Madiya tribals in the eastern part of the country call them Devgudi. 
• These groves hold significant importance in the landscape, especially in the deforested hill ranges of the Western Ghats. 
• Various plant species such as Indian laurel, Indian Elm, Bead tree, Indian butter tree, Turmeric, and Japanese ginger are commonly found in these groves.

Jharkhand 

• In Jharkhand, groves are referred to as Sarana or Jaherthan by the locals. 
• These groves, known as Sarna, consist of a group of trees and are considered sacred by the Tribal Uprising community, who worship there on various occasions. 
• The Sarhul festival is celebrated explicitly in the Sarhul Sarna, which is identified by the flowering of the Sal trees. 
• Mandar, who are non-tribal Hindus, also worshipped in these Sarnas located in several villages across Jharkhand.

Meghalaya 

• The groves in Meghalaya are a distinct feature of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. 
• The Mawphlang sacred grove, located in the East Khasi Hills district and 25 km away from Shillong, is a renowned tourist spot and a vital educational centre recognized globally. 
• Covering an area of 78 hectares, this grove is protected by the local deity Labasa. The local terms for groves are Ki Law Lyngdoh, Ki Law Kyntang, and Ki Law Niam. 
• These groves serve as living examples of the strong interdependence between the forests and the indigenous tribal population of the state.

Sikkim 

In Sikkim, the sacred groves are linked to Buddhist monasteries, and the most sacred sites are located in the highlands of Demojong below the Khangchendzonga peak. 

These groves are known as Gumpa Forest Areas and are under the management of Lamas. 

Andhra Pradesh

• Some areas with well-preserved groves have rich biodiversity and have been relatively undisturbed but are currently facing human-related pressures.
• In Andhra Pradesh's Gooty Bailu village, the Thimmamma Marrimanu, the world's most enormous banyan tree, can be found.
• The local term for a sacred grove is Pavithra Vana.

Bihar

• The sacred groves in Bihar are primarily situated in the southern part of the state, particularly in the Chotanagpur area. 
• These groves, known as saunas, are still densely covered with large deciduous trees and are referred to locally as Sarhuli Mander. 
• While the groves in Bihar are relatively small, they are filled with creepers, shrubs, and grasses and are mainly concentrated in the Chotanagpur region.

Tamil Nadu

• The Tamil Nadu region has several local names for sacred groves, such as Kovikaadugal, Swami Shola, Koil Kadu, Katttu Koil, and Vanakkoil.
• These groves are dedicated to deities such as Aiyanar, Sastha, Muniswaran Karuppuswami, Vedappar, Andavar, and Amman.
• These groves are near reservoirs, ponds, springs, or streams. They also serve as a home for various medicinal plants.

Arunachal Pradesh

• Arunachal Pradesh has some sacred groves, which are managed by Lamas and the Mompa tribe, and are associated with Buddhist monasteries. 
• These groves are known as Gompa Forest Areas (GFAs). 
• The sacred groves contain several plant species, including Banyan, Pipal, Ashoka, Bela, and Harada. 
• They are devoted to local deities such as Ubro, Ubram ,and Thouw-gew. 

Gujarat 

• The sacred groves in Gujarat are diverse in vegetation and can consist of mangroves, freshwater swamps, or other types of tropical forests. 
• These groves are commonly referred to by local terms such as Sabarkantha, Dahod, and Banaskantha. 
• The groves are devoted to several deities, including Khodiyar Mata, Oran Mata, Jhalai Mata, Panch Krishna, and Mahadev.

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