Edibe plants of shan tribe of assam
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Edibe plants of shan tribe of assam
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Shan tribe of Assam, part of the Sino-Tibetan race with roots tracing back to Southwest China, relies heavily on wild edible plants and forest products for their day-to-day sustenance. This tribe, consisting of several groups including the Ahom, Aiton, Khamtis, Khamyang, Phakial, and Turung, engages predominantly in agriculture while also practicing wet cultivation and shifting agriculture. They live in close proximity to forests, which play a crucial role in their nutrition by providing a variety of wild plants, including leaves, tubers, rhizomes, and fruits. A study conducted between 1991 and 1994 in various districts of Assam identified around 143 plant species used by the Shan tribe as supplementary food resources.
Domestication of Wild Plants
One significant concept arising from the study is the domestication of wild plants amongst the Shan tribe. While many wild edible species are gathered from the forests, the tribe has also taken to cultivating certain plants within their homesteads. This practice not only reflects an adaptation to modern agricultural techniques but also serves as a form of conservation for genetic resources. The domesticated plants include species such as Clerodendrum colebrookianum and various species of Solanum, which are commonly found in their courtyards. The ability to cultivate these plants ensures a sustainable supply of food while simultaneously preserving traditional knowledge around their use and preparation in meals.
Conclusion
The research on the edible plants of the Shan tribe of Assam highlights the crucial role of traditional ecological knowledge in food security and biodiversity conservation. By documenting the diverse species utilized as food sources, the study underscores the importance of recognizing and integrating indigenous practices within contemporary agricultural frameworks. Furthermore, the findings suggest a path for future research to explore the comparative uses of these plants by various tribes, promoting an appreciation for the rich ethnobotanical heritage and its contribution to modern dietary practices. The preservation of this knowledge is vital for both cultural identity and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Ashok K Pandey, H.R Bora
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Edibe plants of shan tribe of assam
Year: 1997
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the primary food sources for the Shan tribe of Assam?
The Shan tribe primarily relies on wild edible plants, collecting leaves, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, flowers, fruits, and seeds from forests. These plants serve as a supplementary food source alongside their agricultural practices.
How many plant species did the study identify for the Shan tribe?
The study identified approximately 143 plant species used by the Shan tribe of Assam for food. These species include various parts like leaves, fruits, and roots, showcasing their deep knowledge of local flora.
What methods were used to conduct the ethnobotanical surveys in the study?
The researchers conducted ethnobotanical surveys between 1991-1994 by discussing traditional plant use with local village chiefs and elders. This involved recording plant parts used, preparation methods, and the collection of herbarium specimens.
Why is it important to preserve traditional knowledge about wild food plants?
Preserving traditional knowledge about wild food plants is vital for conservation, enhancing food security, and ensuring the sustainability of cultural practices. It allows for comparative studies that could reveal diverse tribal uses and promote further research.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Edibe plants of shan tribe of assam”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Science (Scientific):
Science plays a crucial role in understanding the methodologies of ethnobotanical research. It encompasses the systematic study of plant relationships, uses, and their environmental contexts. The scientific approach adds rigor to collecting and analyzing data about the wild edible plants used by the Shan tribe, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
2) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section in the paper where the findings about the wild edible plants are interpreted and contextualized. It highlights how the data on plant usage reflects the cultural practices of the Shan tribe, their relationship with the environment, and the importance of conserving traditional knowledge amid modernization and environmental changes.
3) Teeta:
Teeta likely refers to a local name for a plant species used in the region. In the context of the study, it represents the indigenous knowledge surrounding the utilization of this plant, emphasizing the culturally significant aspects of food preparation and consumption among the Shan tribe, and the plant's role in their diet.
4) Water:
Water is an essential resource influencing the growth and availability of edible plants in the regions studied. In the context of ethnobotany, water sources impact plant health, biodiversity, and agricultural practices. The monsoonic climate of Assam affects rainfall patterns, which in turn affects the availability of wild food plants.
5) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China is relevant as the ancestral homeland of the Shan tribe, indicating their migration patterns. Understanding their origins provides insight into cultural exchanges, evolutionary adaptations, and the spread of agricultural knowledge. The connection to China underlines historical movements and the preservation of traditional practices within the Shan community in Assam.
6) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula is a specific wild edible plant mentioned in the study, valued for its ripe fruits. Its inclusion highlights the biodiversity utilized by the Shan tribe and its potential nutritional benefits. The fruit's edible properties warrant further exploration for health benefits, traditional remedies, and economic value.
7) Nelumbo nucifera:
Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as the lotus, is another plant listed in the study. Its significance lies in its edible parts, such as roots and seeds, which are integral to the Shan diet. This plant exemplifies the cultural importance of aquatic plants in traditional food systems and their use in local cuisines.
8) Argyreia nervosa:
Argyreia nervosa, or the woolly morning glory, is noted for its tender leaves used as a vegetable by the Shan tribe. This species represents the diverse plant resources available and their crucial role in local diets. The plant illustrates how traditional knowledge enables sustainable utilization of local flora.
9) Solanum indicum:
Solanum indicum, identified as a wild edible species, is significant for its fruits, which contribute to the food sources available to the Shan tribe. Its incorporation in local diets demonstrates the ecological knowledge and agricultural practices of the tribe, revealing insights into their food culture and biodiversity management.
10) Gmelina arborea:
Gmelina arborea is a tree species whose ripe fruits are consumed by the Shan tribe. Its identification emphasizes the range of plant species utilized beyond common vegetables, showcasing the tribe's reliance on diverse botanical resources and traditional harvesting practices, thus enriching their dietary variety.
11) Agriculture:
Agriculture is a fundamental aspect of the Shan tribe's lifestyle, reflecting their primary occupation. The integration of wild edible plants with cultivated crops highlights local agricultural practices, food security, and the role of traditional methods in sustaining their communities, demonstrating the interdependence between agriculture and biodiversity.
12) Nymphaea:
Nymphaea, related to water lilies, features prominently in the study, showcasing plants adapted to aquatic environments. Its relevance emphasizes food sources from water bodies, reflecting the relationship between the tribe and their surroundings, and highlighting the importance of preserving wetland ecosystems that support various edible species.
13) Jangali (Jaṅgalī, Jāṅgali, Jamgali, Jamgalijvara):
Jangali refers to wild or indigenous plants, encompassing those used for food by the Shan tribe. This term underscores the significance of wild plant resources in subsistence practices. Understanding jangali plants reveals essential cultural knowledge that shapes dietary habits and resource management in indigenous communities.
14) Karaja (Kāraja, Kara-ja):
Karaja is a local term for a particular plant species within the study. Recognizing local names fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural context of edible flora. It highlights how regional vernacular enhances the documentation of traditional uses and cultural identity associated with collecting and consuming plant resources.
15) Karela (Karēlā, Karelā):
Karela, or bitter gourd, links to the broader category of edible plants within the agricultural and foraging practices of the Shan tribe. Its recognition emphasizes the diversity of edible plants that contribute to local culinary traditions and nutrition, underscoring the importance of traditional agricultural practices in the region.
16) Garuga (Garugā):
Garuga is a genus of plants known for their edible fruits, which form part of the traditional diet among the Shan tribe. This highlights the interconnection between cultural practices and the utilization of local flora in sustenance, revealing the importance of biodiversity in maintaining various dietary options.
17) Bhasha (Bhāsā, Bhāṣā, Bhāsa, Bhasa, Bhaṣa, Bhasa°):
Bhasa refers to language or dialect, emphasizing the significance of linguistic diversity in documenting traditional knowledge related to edible plants. Understanding the local languages helps preserve the cultural heritage, facilitates communication of plant uses, and strengthens community identity, ensuring that such knowledge is passed down generations.
18) Tenga (Teṅga):
Tenga indicates sour or tangy varieties of edible fruits or vegetables in the local context. It reflects the tribe’s culinary preferences and the sensory qualities appreciated in their traditional diets. The incorporation of such flavors demonstrates the complexity of food culture among the Shan tribe, rooted in environmental diversity.
19) Hara (Hāra):
Hara represents a local name for green leafy vegetables or herbs used in the diet of the Shan tribe. This term is significant as it showcases the variety of plant resources identified and underscores the importance of greens in traditional diets, contributing to nutritional balance and culinary diversity.
20) Rubu:
Rubu is likely a regional plant name, lending insight into the vernacular terms associated with local flora. Its mention reflects the importance of local knowledge in distinguishing between different plant species used for food and medicinal purposes, thus preserving traditional practices and biodiversity.
21) Tara (Tārā, Tāra):
Tara may refer to a certain plant or flower significant in the local context, representing the cultural diversity in plant use among the Shan tribe. Identifying flora by local names enriches the understanding of ethnobotanical relationships and emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge in utilizing plants effectively.
22) Lata (Lāṭa, Latā):
Lata denotes a local term for climbing plants or vines, which play a role in the edible landscape of the Shan tribe. The mention highlights dietary diversity through various forms of plant structure and their respective uses, showing how diverse plant categories contribute to indigenous food systems.
23) Bora (Bōra):
Bora is a specific local name for a plant commonly used in the diet of the Shan tribe. Understanding these localized names enriches the ethnobotanical study, showcasing the tribe's knowledge in plant resource utilization and the ecological significance of their food choices within their cultural framework.
24) Kana (Kāṇa, Kānā, Kaṇa, Kaṉa, Kaṉā, Kāñā, Kāṉā):
Kana refers to a plant characteristic noted in the study, likely symbolizing distinct regional vegetation. Its importance underscores the interconnectedness of local flora with indigenous consumption patterns and the need to document such terms to foster a greater understanding of traditional plant uses among different communities.
25) Pani (Paṇi, Pāṇin, Pāṇi, Pānī, Panin, Paṉi, Pāṉi):
Pani translates to water in the local dialect and signifies its importance in the ecosystem, especially for aquatic and semi-aquatic edible plants. Its role in supporting plant growth and biodiversity emphasizes the significance of water resources in sustaining both local diets and agricultural practices of the Shan tribe.
26) Hand:
Hand represents the methods of foraging and food preparation utilized by the Shan tribe. The knowledge of gathering and preparing wild plants requires skill and cultural practices passed down through generations, emphasizing the connection between hands-on experience and the culinary traditions associated with indigenous food systems.
27) Soil:
Soil is fundamental to the growth of the diverse edible plants utilized by the Shan tribe, linking agricultural practices and natural ecosystems. Understanding soil health, composition, and its relationship with plant diversity provides insights into sustainable practices that can protect both food security and ecological balance in their local environment.