NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJTK Vol.10(1) [January 2011]

Traditional knowledge, weather prediction and bioindicators : A case study in Mizoram, Northeastern India

Title: Traditional knowledge, weather prediction and bioindicators : A case study in Mizoram, Northeastern India

Authors: Chinlampianga, M

Abstract: The tribal peoples of Mizoram formerly forecasted the weather through applications of long-standing Traditional Ecological Knowledge. In this study, 16 distinct bioindicators for weather forecasting based were documented working with tribal peoples. The bioindicators were based mainly on the recognition of unique situations, the behaviour of insects, birds and mammals, characteristics of plants, and location, timing and patterns of clouds, lightning, wind, moon, sun and stars. The successful application of the forecasting knowledge is based on comparison with past events, good prognosis, close observation and a thorough understanding of the local environment. Community members, cultural leaders and local elders have observed recent anomalies in the weather, with unusual rains and abrupt changes in temperature. Due to this phenomenon, some plant species are changing their growth patterns. This type of Traditional Knowledge has excellent potential for wider application, yet, in Mizoram, as elsewhere, there is a threat to people’s livelihoods and bicultural diversity. Today, more than ever, there is an urgent need to document all traditional knowledge and folklore among the diverse ethnic communities before the traditional cultures are completely lost.

Page(s): 207-211

Traditional knowledge of natural disaster mitigation and ethno medicine practices in Himalaya with special reference to Sikkim

Title: Traditional knowledge of natural disaster mitigation and ethno medicine practices in Himalaya with special reference to Sikkim

Authors: Joshi, Varun; Rawat, MS; Sharma, AK; Kumar, K; Panda, AK

Abstract: Indigenous knowledge refers to the age old refined methods and practices developed by previous numerous generations from an advanced understanding of the local environment, to save their belongings and lives from any future natural disaster. The local people observe signs in the environment which allow them to take precautions before a disaster occurs. This knowledge contains several other important characteristics which distinguish it from other types of knowledge. All such knowledge include evolved within the community, maintaining a non-formal means of dissemination, collectively owned, developed over several generations and subject to adaptation, and imbedded in a community’s way of life as a means of survival. Survival strategy of the masses has led to the evolution of area specific, locally pertinent and effective ways of mitigating natural disasters. This vital knowledge base practices are however often ignored and due recognition and importance have not been given, hence being eroded with the time. This paper highlights the relevance of cost affective traditional practices and acceptable means of mitigating disasters by the local communities. The paper is based upon the extensive field studies, discussions held with local populace conducted in different phases for use of the traditional disaster mitigation and medicinal plants practices of the people during disaster in the remote study area. The paper discusses the relevance of the various traditional disaster mitigation practices of the region. Studies show that the understanding was fairly evolved in the respective areas of natural disaster like earthquake, landslide and drought mitigation. The major medical problems in disaster are massive causalities, bleeding, loss of consciousness, pain, swelling, Joint dislocation and bone fractures. Eight medicinal plants are indigenously used in these purposes in the remote area during disaster till they receive any modern medical aid.

Page(s): 198-206

Indigenous Cactus biodiversity: A viable genetic resource to fulfill multiform needs under rainfed ecosystems

Title: Indigenous Cactus biodiversity: A viable genetic resource to fulfill multiform needs under rainfed ecosystems

Authors: Rai, Munmun; Singh, Ranjay K; Sharma, PC; Singh, Love K

Abstract: The constantly increasing demand for natural products is paralleled by a more pronounced request for natural ingredients and health promoting foods. Cactus Pear was largely ignored by the scientific world until beginning of 1980 but due to multifunctionality of the plant it is now considered as an important crop to human food in all its aspects. The review discusses cactus pear fruit with special emphasis on its functional components besides their nutritional importance as a neutraceutical, food, fodder and other health benefits.

Page(s): 194-197

Plants associated in forecasting and beliefs within the Meitei community of Manipur, Northeast India

Title: Plants associated in forecasting and beliefs within the Meitei community of Manipur, Northeast India

Authors: Singh, H Birkumar

Abstract: This paper reports on a total of 10 plant species of different families which are used as indicators in forecasting weather, in predicting natural calamities, or as taboos or signals of bad omens, among the Meitei community of Manipur state in North eastern India. These plants belong to dicot (6 species), monocot (3 species) and pteridophyte (single species) and are both cultivated (5 species) and grown wildly (rest 5 species). The four species namely, Alocasia indica, Brassica campestris, Hibiscus cannabinus and Mangifera indica are cultivated purely for food purpose while Platycerium wallichi is cultivated as decorative pot plant. The species namely, Quercus serrata in not cultivated in private lands. This knowledge system is still prevalent among the local people, especially in rural areas.

Page(s): 190-193