M. Amirthalingam

Abstract

The Sacred groves can be considered as a part of forests left untouched by the local inhabitants , and protected by the local village folk deities. Several such groves are reported in many parts of India. In this paper , an inventory of the intact Sacred groves of Tamil Nadu is given. Detailed information on the location , area and associated deities are available for 500 groves. Out of 500 groves 343 are dedicated to 93 different male deities and 157 are dedicated to 77 different female deities. The approximate total area occupied by the Sacred groves is 21 ,694.34 ha. These Sacred groves are only remnants of the original forest , maintained in near climax condition in many parts of Tamil Nadu. As such , these groves now play a vital role in the conservation of biological diversity.

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M. Amirthalingam

Abstract

Neem (or 'vembu' as it is known in Tamil) is indigenous to India. The tree is found growing in abundance all over India. It has valuable medicinal and economic benefits and in fact every part of the tree finds use in one way or the other. There is evidence to show that the Neem tree found use in the Indus Valley Civilization and also references are made to it in the Charaka Samhita, Brhat Samhita, Padma Purana, Jataka Tales and others indicating its antiquity. Neem is held sacred by the Hindus and is associated with the goddess 'Sitala' who is responsible for the manifestation of various kinds of pox. Parts of the Neem tree are particularly noted for their antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-diabetic, nematicidal and pesticidal qualities. A dye prepared from the bark is used for colouring fine textured fabrics. It is resistant to gaseous pollutants and is tolerant to sulfur dioxide and drought and acts as an indicator for dust and smoke pollutants, reduces soil erosion and purifies the air. Thus, it is necessary to propagate Neem in large numbers in the wastelands of our country.

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