Totemy plants associated with different clans of tribal people of Western part of Madhya Pradesh and their role in conservation

Dinesh Jadhav

Department of Botany, Govt. Arts & Science PG College, Ratlam-457001 (M. P.), India

Abstract

The tribals of western districts of Madhya Pradesh are based upon their clan types. Clans play an important role in the social setup of their society. Various clans are named after certain plants which possess a significant role in conservation of nature. The present paper deals with 48 such plant species under 44 genera belonging to 29 families, which are the totems of 90 clans of Bhil. Tribals worship the plants of respective clans and do not use them in any form.

Key Words: Bhil; Clans; Totemy plants; Conservation; Western Madhya Pradesh

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