This paper analyses the ethnic plants of the Tharu people in the Ramdhuni-2 Sunsari district in Nepal, their various uses and the socio-cultural aspect of Tharus and explores those plant uses. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and the Interview-Method were used for the collection of ethnobotincal data from the studied area. In the present study, 37 plants species were collected from the study area under 25 families.
Out of 37 plants 32 were found to be dicot and 5 were found to be monocot. 37 species were distributed in 25 families. The indigenous Tharus were using these plant species for various purposes, such as medicine, food, fodder, ornaments, materials etc. Among those plants 25 plants are used as medicine, 21 plants are used as fodder, followed by 10 plants as food and edible fruits and so on. Among the 37 species, trees and herbs were dominant upon grasses, shrubs, climbers and creepers, followed by shrubs. 24 species were used for their leaves. 29 species were found to be useful having more than one value.
Ethnobotany refers to the study of an ethnic plant of particular people living in a particular place. Ethnobotany accommodates lists, details and description of all those plants regarding their various uses. This study has been done in the Ramdhuni-2, Sunsari district in the Tharu community.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- List of Signs and Abbreviations
- List of Tables
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to investigate the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Tharu community in Ramdhuni-2, Sunsari district, Nepal, focusing on their utilization of plant resources. The research explores the various uses of plants by the Tharu people, their socio-cultural significance, and the diversity of plant species employed.
- Ethnobotanical knowledge of the Tharu community
- Diverse uses of plants by the Tharu people (medicine, food, fodder, etc.)
- Socio-cultural significance of plants in Tharu society
- Plant species diversity and distribution in the study area
- Conservation implications of Tharu ethnobotanical practices
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This study explores the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Tharu community in Ramdhuni-2, Nepal. Utilizing Participatory Rural Appraisal and interviews, researchers documented 37 plant species across 25 families, with uses ranging from medicine and food to fodder and ornamentation. The study highlights the significant role of plants in Tharu life and suggests further research to explore the potential of these resources. The dominance of trees and herbs, along with the high percentage of plant species with multiple uses (78.3%), underscores the rich ethnobotanical knowledge and the importance of these plants in the community's well-being.
Keywords
Ethnobotany, Tharu, Nepal, Plant resources, Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal plants, Food plants, Fodder plants, Socio-cultural aspects, Plant diversity, Conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ethnobotanical Knowledge of the Tharu Community in Nepal
What is the main focus of this study?
This study investigates the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Tharu community in Ramdhuni-2, Sunsari district, Nepal, focusing on their utilization of plant resources. It explores the various uses of plants, their socio-cultural significance, and the diversity of plant species used by the Tharu people.
What are the key objectives of the research?
The research aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Tharu community, detailing the diverse uses of plants (medicine, food, fodder, etc.), their socio-cultural significance, the plant species diversity and distribution in the study area, and the conservation implications of their ethnobotanical practices.
What methodology was used in this research?
The research utilized Participatory Rural Appraisal and interviews to gather data.
What are the key findings of the study?
The study documented 37 plant species across 25 families, with uses ranging from medicine and food to fodder and ornamentation. A high percentage (78.3%) of plant species had multiple uses. The dominance of trees and herbs underscores the rich ethnobotanical knowledge and the importance of these plants in the community's well-being.
What is the significance of plants in Tharu life?
Plants play a significant role in Tharu life, providing resources for medicine, food, fodder, and ornamentation. The study highlights the rich ethnobotanical knowledge and the vital role these plants play in their daily lives and well-being.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Ethnobotany, Tharu, Nepal, Plant resources, Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal plants, Food plants, Fodder plants, Socio-cultural aspects, Plant diversity, Conservation.
What does the abstract of the study summarize?
The abstract summarizes the study's exploration of the Tharu community's ethnobotanical knowledge in Ramdhuni-2, Nepal. It highlights the documentation of 37 plant species with diverse uses and emphasizes the significant role of plants in Tharu life, suggesting further research into the potential of these resources.
What is included in the table of contents?
The table of contents includes an abstract, a list of signs and abbreviations, and a list of tables.
What is the overall conclusion of the study?
The study reveals the rich ethnobotanical knowledge of the Tharu community and the significant role of plant resources in their lives. The findings underscore the need for further research and conservation efforts to protect this valuable knowledge and the plant resources themselves.
- Quote paper
- Shiv Nandan Sah (Author), 2019, Ethnic Plants of the Tharu Community in Nepal. Indigenous Knowledge on Plant Resources, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/932033
