Guardians of the Grove: The Role of Tribal and Dalit Women in Biodiversity Conservation through Sacred Forests

Abstract

This study explores the ecological and cultural significance of sacred groves in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the pivotal role of tribal and Dalit women in biodiversity conservation. Unlike urban temples that are architecturally ornamental and often disconnected from natural ecosystems, sacred groves are reserved forest patches sustained through indigenous spiritual practices and community-based stewardship. Symbolically marked by tridents, flags, and shrines, these groves serve as sanctuaries of untouched vegetation and medicinal flora.

Fieldwork was conducted across ten tribal-dominated villages, combining qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and direct botanical observations. The findings reveal that tribal and Dalit women are active managers of these ecosystems, guided by seasonal rituals, spiritual taboos, and sustainable harvesting techniques. Their intimate knowledge of sacred plants such as Peepal, Tulsi, Neem, and Ashoka underscores the integration of religious belief with traditional medicine and ecological resilience.

The research identifies sacred groves as one of the oldest forms of community-led conservation rooted in cultural heritage. However, modern pressures such as urbanization and erosion of belief systems threaten their sustainability. The paper argues that recognizing and empowering these women through legal frameworks, education, and inclusive forest governance is crucial for both biodiversity preservation and cultural continuity. Through this lens, sacred groves emerge not just as biological hotspots but as living embodiments of spiritual ecology and grassroots environmentalism.