Sacred Groves in Assam

Ronghang Rongbong, Hamren , Karbi Anglong  District , Assam

Forest dwelling tribes such as Bodo and Rabha inhabiting the plains and foothills of Western Assam have the tradition of maintaining sacred groves which are locally called “Than”. Dimasa tribes of the North Cachar hills in Haflong district of Assam call sacred groves “Madaico”.  17 sacred groves have been documented in the state.

Sibrai, Alu Raja, Naikhu Raja, Wa Raja, Ganiyang, Braiyung and Hamiadao are the various deities to whom these sacred groves are dedicated. Vaishnav temples called Shankara Deva Mathas are distributed all over the state. Sacred groves are attached to these Mathas.

Giant Bamboo, Pear Bamboo, Pink banana, Metico pepper, Indian smilax, Areca nut, Sand paper tree and Devil’s cotton are among the most commonly found plant species in the sacred groves. The identity of an area/village is often associated with plant resources either available in the area/village or important locally.

There is a taboo in the groves on killing of deer during their mating season and protection is extended to birds during the nesting period.

List of SG in Assam

Source: Karbi  Anglong Community Resource Management Society

 Sacred Groves in  North Cachar Hills District of Assam

Source:

Pramod Medhi and Sachin Kumar Borthakur, “Sacred Groves of the Dimasas of North Cachar Hills of Northeast India”.