Ethnobotany is the study of plant-human interaction in a given environment. Ethnobotanical studies assume great importance in enhancing our knowledge about plants grown and used by native tribal communities, the rich diversity assembled by them for their sustenance and different means adopted by them for its preservation and conservation. The traditional knowledge system in India is fast eroding. There is an urgent need to inventories and record all ethnobiological information among the diverse ethnic communities before the traditional cultures are completely lost. The present book Ethnobotany contains 28 articles by eminent ethnobotanists of the country on different aspects of the subject. From the introduction of ethnobotany, this book covers articles on the sacred groves, traditional use of plants for beauty care, folk customs and rituals, ethnomedicinal plants, ethnoveterinary forest products and ethnozoology. Articles on ethnobotanical studies in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Saurashtra, the terai region of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan cover some general and a few specifically on medicine and food of these regions. Articles on protocol for ethno-medicinal studies, ethnobiology and Ayurveda, ancient plant economy in India, wetland biodiversity, etc, have added to the value of the book. Thus, it provides a good glimpse of the rich ethnobotanical heritage of India. Scholars and students of ethnobotany, botany, anthropology, sociology, history, Indian culture, forestry, conservation, ecology and environment will find this book very useful and informative.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pravin Chandra Trivedi
Dr. Pravin Chandra Trivedi (born 3 March 1953), Ph.D., F.B.S., F.P.S.I., F.N.S.I., F.L.S. (London), F.B.R.S., F.M.A., F.E.S.; Professor of Botany; Director, College Development Council and Vice-Principal of Maharaja's College, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, has a brilliant academic career, standing first in all examinations. He joined Rajasthan University as Lecturer in Botany in 1974. Dr. Trivedi worked as Post-Doctoral Fellow at the North Carolina State University. Raleigh, U.S.A. in 1983-84. He has published more than 170 research papers and review articles in journals of repute. He has edited and written 27 books. Dr. Trivedi has guided 24 Ph.D. students. He has been the Principal Investigator of 17 major research projects funded by D.S.T., I.C.A.R., U.G.C., C.S.I.R. and D.B.T. He is an elected Fellow of Seven reputed academic bodies. Dr, Trivedi has visited several major research laboratories and delivered invited talks in many international conferences held in the U.S.A., Canada, the U.K., Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Singapore, Austria and Belgium. Presently, he is an elected President of the Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi (Central Zoe); Councillor and Convenor, Jaipur Cahpter of Indian Science Congress Association; Councillor of Indian Botanical and Honorary Secretary-General of the Rajasthan Academy of Sciences. Dr. Trivedi is a recipient of Scientist of the Year Award 2001, Bioved Fellowship Award and Young Scientist Project Award. He is a member of the editorial and advisory board of seven reputed journals. He has organized seven national seminars and participated in many at national and international levels. He is also a member of the expert panels of many national organizations including U.P.S.C. His major research interest includes nematode biology, biological control of pests, biotechnology, medicinal plants, ethnobotany and biodiversity conservation.
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