Vol.7, No. 1, 2001 The Eastern Ghats

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Vol.7, No. 1, 2001

The Eastern GhatsE P T R I - E N V I S N e w s l e t t e r

F o rF o rF o rF o rF o r e w o re w o re w o re w o re w o r ddddd

EPTRI is not responsible for theviews expressed by the authors.Note

C o n t e n t sC o n t e n t sC o n t e n t sC o n t e n t sC o n t e n t s

We have great pleasure in releasingVol. 7 No.1, which deals with the Resources &

Tribals of Eastern Ghats. The articles cover informationon Ethnobotany, Tribal Economy, Tribal issues, Tribalareas & Demography of the North Coastal AndhraPradesh and Orissa and an article based on SpecialCover depicting prominent land marks of Yarada HillRanges, Eastern Ghats, which play a vital role in theperspective of Eco-tourism.

The articles provide some of the interesting findingsof the scientists and researchers.

• Foreword……………………….................... 1

• Ethnomedical Studies of Mahendragiri Range

of Hills, Eastern Ghats: A Case Study of

Jeerango Gram Panchayat………....................2-4

• A Note on the Tribal Economy of the

Eastern Ghats.......…………...........................4-5

• Collection and Consumption of Wild Tubers/

Rhizomes by the Various Tribes in

Andhra Pradesh…….............................….... 5-7

• Forests & Tribals :Recognition of their

integration...................................................... 7

• Tribal areas of Visakhapatnam district,

Andhra Pradesh, India- With Special reference

to the demographic characteristics &

Medicinal Flora………………..................... 8-10

• Article based on Special Cover depicting

Prominent land marks of Yarada Hill ranges,

Eastern Ghats……………………..........…... 11

D o J o i n u sD o J o i n u sD o J o i n u sD o J o i n u sD o J o i n u s

R e a d e r s a r e . . . . . .

WELCOME to contribute articles to our Newsletter.Theme of our next issue is “Resources & Tribals ofEastern Ghats”.

ENVIS Centre Collects, Collates and Desseminates

all the information related to its core subject viz.

“Eastern Ghats”. Hence, the library of ENVIS

invites donation of reprints, bibliographic

collections, news clippings, posters, photographs

etc., from all sources.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE (EPTRI), HYDERABAD

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Introduction

The relationship between man and plants is an age-old phenomenon.Man has been using plants for various purposes such as food,

fodder, clothing, shelter, and medicine from prehistoric times. Accordingto Marini and Bettolo (1980), traditional medicines provide health serviceto about 70 to 80% of total World’s population. But in recent years, dueto large scale urbanization, massive publicity of allopathic medicines andindiscriminate cutting down of forests, the very existence of the treasureof indigenous medicines and its related knowledge is threatened. Besides,scarcity of written documents, and lack of proper communication betweenthe tribals and urbans add to the problem. This article aims in describingthe identification, characterization and description of some of theethnomedicinal uses of plants and animals.

Study area

Jeerango Gram Panchayat, which is situated around 35 kms. away fromParalakhemundi, the district head quarter of Gajapati has been selectedas our area of investigation. It comes under Mahendragiri hill system ofEastern Ghats. The topography of this region is highly undulatingexcept at valleys. This study area covers 5996 hectares comprising of 16villages with a total population of 4194. Among this tribals constituteabout 70.5%, (i.e. 2950) in this panchayat.

Methodology

Field trips were arranged to cover all most all villages of the study area.The base camp was selected at Raghunathpur. Then almost all herbalhealers (vaidyas) of the area and headmen of villages were approached.Ethnomedico-biological information was collected through questionnairesand discussion. Besides, habit, habitat, flora, characteristics, distribution,and local names were entered into the field notebook on the spot. Thedried plant specimens were kept In the herbarium of Botany Departmentof S.K.C.G. College.

Plants were identified with the help of local flora as well as otherpublications like Gamble (1915-36) Haines (1921-25) and Brahmanand Saxena (1995). The identifications of the species were confirmedafter consulting with the available literature. Ethnomedicinal value of16 plants and 2 animals species are enumerated below.

A. ETHNOBOTANICAL INFORMATION

1. Aloe barbadensis Mill.; (Liliaceae); Local Name - Ghin Kuanri• A succulent herb with fleshy mucilaginous leaves.

• Mucilaginous jelly of fleshy leaves is mixed with sugar and appliedon burn injuries.

• Half burnt leaves are used on boils to suppress the same.

2. Nyctanthes arbortristis L.; (Oleaceae); Local Name-Ganga Siuli.• Small trees with ovate leaves.

• Dried roots of this plant are grinded along with honey and 21 smallpieces of Garlic. This paste is taken orally for 3 days to cure malaria.

3. Eleusine coracana L.Gaearth.; (Poaceae); Local Name - Mandia• An annual herb with capitate infloresence.

• The grains of this plant are boiled properly to form semi liquiddense substance ,which is grindded along with garlic and are takenorally to reduce high blood pressure.

4. Calotropis gigantea (L.) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae.) Local Name - Dhala Arkha• Large erect shrub, flowers contain spreading corolla tube.

• The leaves of this plant are fried in castor oil and then the friedleaves are to be tied on the vagina of a pregnant for abortion.

5. Ferula asafoetida L.(Apiaceae); Local Name - Hengu• Although this plant is not available in this region, most of the herbal

healers use this plant for various medicines.• The dried roots of this plant are grinded and then given to the

females during their menstrual period for the treatment of ovarinproblems.

6. Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae ); Local Name - Amruta Vanda.• Plants with semi woody stem, mosaic phyllotaxy.

• The roots of Carica papaya along with the roots of Jasminum sambacand Lawsonia inermis are grinded with rice washed water to preparethe solution which is taken orally to cure jaundice.

7. Nymphaea nouchalli Burn.f. (Nymphaeaceae ); Local Name - Ranga Kain.• Aquatic rooted plant with red flowers. The leaves are greenish below

and purple above.• Rhizomes of this plant along with refined form of gur (Oriya Name

- Nabata) and root of Lawsonia inermis L. is grinded in the ricewashed water. The paste obtained is effectively treated for diabetes.

8. Cicca acida L. Merr. (Euphorbiaceae.); Local Name - Narkoli.• Moderate sized tree with tetramerous flowers.

• The paste made from the root of Cicca acida is used for treatinggoitre.

S.K. Senapati, Department of Botany, S.K.C.G. College, Gajapathi, Orissa M.K. Mishra, Department of Botany, Behrampur University, Orissa

T.C. Kara, P.G. Department of Life Scieces, S.K.C.G. College, Gajapathi, Orissa

EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001

Ethnomedicinal Studies of Mahendragiri Range of Hills, Eastern Ghats:A Case Study of Jeerango Gram Panchayat

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9. Calotropis procera R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae); Local Name - Kala Dudura.• Large erect shrub with oblong leaves, presence of erect corolla

lobes.• Mustard oil is applied on the tender leaves of Calotropis and is

shown over the flame and the same is kept on the boils, which leadsto its bursting within the 4 to 5 hours.

10. Laportea iterrupta L. Chew. (Urticaceae); Local Name - Bichuati.• A week stemmed herb with pubescent leaves.

• Powder of these seeds is boiled with goat milk and is taken orally forweakness and paste prepared from the dried seeds is applied on thehead to inhibit hairfall.

11. Hemidesmus indicus L. (Asclepiadaceae); Local Name - Sugandhi.• Slender puescent twiner with aromatic root stock and variable leaf

shapes.• Roots of this plant are grinded along with the roots of Lawsonia

inermls and coconut water to prepare a semisolid paste which istaken orally for treating diseases like jaundice.

12. Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae); Local Name - Sweta chitaparu.• Under shrub with white flowers. Petiole base is

amplexicaul.• Semisolid paste prepared from the dried roots of this

plant, bark of Plumeria acuminata and sulphur areadministered for abortion.

13. Pergularia daemia (Forssk) Choir (Asclepiadaceae);Local Name - Uturuli.

• Slender pubescent climber with cordate leaves.

• The roots of Hemidesmus indicus and bark of Plumeriaacuminata is made into paste in for different base liquids for differentdiseases. Goat urine, human urine and cow urine are taken as separatebase materials for the preparation of three different pastes to cureepilesy, tuberculosis and tetanus respectively.

14. Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae.); Local Name - Manjuati.• Branched shrub with lanceolate leaves and brightly coloured fragrant

flowers.• Root paste of Lawsonia inermis, Jasminum sambac and Carica papaya

is prepared in rice washed water and that is taken orally at the doseof thrice a day for curing jaundice.

15. Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae); Local Name - Muninga.• Small deciduous tree with white flowers.

• The flower and bark of this plant is fried in mustard oil and thenmade into powder. This powder is taken orally for the treatment ofabdominal pain of women during menstruation.

16. Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex. Kurz (Apocynaceae); Local Name - Patal Garuda.

• Widely distributed glabrous under shrub.

• The paste prepared from the root of Rauvolfia serpentina andCalotropis procera is given orally for snake bite.

B. ETHNOZOOLOGICAL INFORMATION:

1. Hystrix indica. Englishname-Purkupine, LocaIName-Jhinka. Class - Mammalia, Order - Rodentia.

• Largest spiny mammal, A noctrunal animal usually lives inburrows, eats bulbs, roots, barks, fallen leaves and flowers.

• The intestinal parts of Hystrix and roots of Rauvolfia serpentina ismade into paste which is taken orally for the cure ofstomachache.

2. Bos indicus English name - Cow, Local Name - GaiClass - Mammalia, Order - Artiodactyla.

• Herbivorous domestic animal.

• A drop of blood taken from the ear of a Cow is to be licked by thepatient for curing epilepsy.

Discussion

Detailed study on the ethnomedincinal aspects of theMahendragiri range of hills, has not yet been made. Thisis a work of its own kind in this region.

A comparision of the above findings with that of availableliterature reveals that the use of plants and animals bythe tribes as described above, is almost endemic to thisregion.

Though the tribals have been using these medicines forquite a long time, it is very difficult to judge theeffectiveness of the traditional medicines. However,

further research on these traditional medicines will provide an insight toimprove the quality and effectiveness of the same.

The purpose of this article is not to prescribe any remedy against diseasesbut to prepare a preliminary report which should be screened and testedby pharmacologists before they are used as medicines.

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to Prof. K.C. Mishra Principal S.K.C.G. College,Paralakhemundi for his kind permission to present the paper andinspiration to carry out the research work. We extend our hearty thanksto the tribal people in general and the three tribal healers named GurubariaBada Raita, Gurubaria Raita and Pati bada Raita, in particular foi theirimmense help in providing informations and all round cooperationsduring this study. The authors are also thankful to Dr. P.N. Gouda, SriLect. in Chemistry, S.K.C.G. College & Officials of the forest department,Gajapati district for accompanying us during the field visit.


IdentificationIdentificationIdentificationIdentificationIdentificationandandandandand

DescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescriptionof someof someof someof someof some

EthnomedicinalEthnomedicinalEthnomedicinalEthnomedicinalEthnomedicinaluses ofuses ofuses ofuses ofuses of

Plants andPlants andPlants andPlants andPlants and AnimalsAnimalsAnimalsAnimalsAnimals

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References:

1. Marini - Bettolo, G.B. (1980), Present aspects of the use of plants intraditional medicine, J.Ethnopharma. 2: 5-7 pp.

2. Panigrahi G., Gandhamardan Parbat, (1963): A potential source ofimportant indigenous drugs. R.R.L. Bulletin. 1: 111-116 pp.

3. Saxena H.O. Brahmam M. and Dutta P.K. (1981): “Glimpses ofIndian Ethnobotany” (Ed. S.K. Jain) 232 - 244pp. Oxford &IBH publications, Calcutta

4. Chopra R.N., Chopra I.C. and Verma B.S. (1969): Supplement toGlossary of Indian Medicinal plants, Publication and InformationDirectorate, New Delhi.

5. Jain, S.K. (1971): Some Magico-religious belief about plants amongAdivasi of Orissa. Adivasi, 15:39 - 44pp.

6. Mishra, M.K., Mohanty M.K. and Das P.K. (1993): Studies onthe medico-ethnobotany of Calotropis gigantea and C.Procera. Ancient Science of life 13:40 - 56pp.

7. Das, P.K. and Mishra M.K. (1988): Some Ethnomedicinal plantsof Koraput District, Orissa, Ancient Science of Life 8(l) : 60-67pp.

8. Das, P.K. and Mishra, M.K. (1988): Some medicinal plants amongKondhas around Chandrapur (Koraput), J.Econ, Tax. Bot. 12 :103 - 109pp.

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Mr. A. Srinivasa Rao, EPTRI-ENVIS Centre, EPTRI, Hyderabad.

EncourageEncourageEncourageEncourageEncouragesettledsettledsettledsettledsettled

cultivationcultivationcultivationcultivationcultivationamongstamongstamongstamongstamongstTTTTTrrrrr ibalsibalsibalsibalsibals

andandandandanddevelopdevelopdevelopdevelopdevelop

infrastructureinfrastructureinfrastructureinfrastructureinfrastructure

A Note on the Tribal Economy of the Eastern Ghats

One of the important regions of the country, which has immense naturalresources potential, but with a low rate of development in comparison toadjacent areas is the Eastern Ghats. The Eastern Ghats region lies in theStates of Andhra Pradesh , Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu andKarnataka.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Eastern Ghats cover the districts ofSrikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari,West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore,Chittoor, Kurnool, Anantapur and Cuddapah.

Development of the Tribal Economy of the Eastern Ghatshas gained increasing recognition during the last two decades.The three broad categories of traditional tribal economies are

· Primitive agriculture through Slash and Burn Techniqueon hill slopes or Podu or shifting cultivation

· Gathering of Non Timber Forest Produce and sellingin the open market

· Farming on terraces or in valleys both under irrigatedand rain fed conditions

Therefore, this region has a distinct set of economic characteristics whichdiffer widely from that of the economy of plains adjoining this area anddifferences could be observed in respect of the climate, soil, rainfall,habitat, flora and fauna also. Cultivation is the main occupation fornearly half of the working population. Indiscriminate slash and burncultivation techniques adopted by the tribals have resulted in barrenlands, due to increase in soil erosion which is a serious factor leading toenvironmental degradation of the region. This gives rise to a need tointroduce modern technology alternative cropping say agriculture, whichwould improve the environmental condition of the area as well as economiccondition of the inhabitants, land use pattern, occupational distributionand opportunities for over all development in Eastern Ghats.

The forests in the Eastern Ghats are relatively underdeveloped and theyhave rich natural resources. The tribals who are gatherers of Non TimberForest Produce depend exclusively on sale of forest produce for theirlivelihood. Lack of scientific approach in harnessing of the forest resourceshas led to excessive tapping thereby leading to high mortality of trees and

gradual depletion of natural resources. The prosperity ofthese regions lies in the economic utilisation of the naturalresources for the benefit of the tribal communities throughprotection of existing flora and its rejuvenation in course oftime.

The cropping pattern followed in the Eastern Ghats ofAndhra Pradesh reveals that cerals occupy a important sharein the gross crop production. They raise crops in bothseasons ie Kharif and Rabi. Nearly 50% of the gross croppedarea in these districts is under paddy cultivation. The tribalsliving in the Eastern Ghats generally grow paddy, jowar,maize and other kinds of small millets and pulses. Monsoonsare the only source for raising crops. Often they suffer dueto inundation of agricultural fields by excessive rain.However, the tribals have developed the irrigation facility

in these areas by diverting the water in to the terraces on hill slopes. Theyhave to utilise these hill streams, which flow in these areas that constitutea potential source of irrigation in a more systematic way to convert themas assured irrigation sources.

The rate of growth of urban population and rate of economic developmentis remarkable in the plains of Eastern Ghats and has almost doubled in adecade but not in the rural populations in the hilly regions. Therefore,an integrated development process needs to be adopted to transform theunderdeveloped and primitive economies of the Eastern Ghats in to amore surplus economy. The government could implement developmentalprogrammes and improve market facilities.

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Abstract

Consumption of wild tubers/rhizomes is quite common among the tribes of Andhra Pradesh. Tribals are familiar with locations of tuberousplants spread in the forest area and often quite knowledgeable about the availability of a wide varieties of these plants. Several of these geneticresources may constitute the raw material for plant breeders and biotechnologists to produce new varieties and breeds.

ROLE OF ITDA AND GCC

Due to Government intervention through the Integrated TribalDevelopment Agency (ITDA), Girijan Cooperative Corporation(GCC)and the Forest Department, the following developmental changes havetaken place

· The Forest Department under its Joint Forest Managementprogramme and Social forestry programme has taken up measuressuch as afforestation activities in some regions of Eastern Ghatsaffected by Podu cultivation.

· Introduction of cultivation of commercial crop plantations such asturmeric, banana, tobacco, chillies, cashew, pineapple and coffee innon-reserve forests by ITDA

· Scientific methods for tapping forest resources like gum or chironjiwhich have good market.

· Development of the region through vigorous efforts towardsdissemination of knowledge of the latest agricultural techniquesand use of modern fertilisers and implements and by providinghigh yielding seed varieties.

· Economic support programmes that would help the tribal farmers

The ITDA and GCC have made planned efforts in improving the qualityand quantum of production. They have also helped the tribals inidentifying value added forest produce like Nirmali seeds / cleaning nut(Chillaginja) which could be a powerful Bioflocculent. Another valueadded product is Terminalia chebula (Karakkai) which is used as aBiodegradable cleansing agent in Tanning industry and also as anexpectorant.

The ITDA and GCC are also making efforts for regenerating of selectedplant species that have medicinal and commercial value.

GOVERNMENT ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION

The Government needs to intervene and play an Important role incoordinating and implementing developmental programmes in

developing the region. The developmental programmes should aim atthe following objectives:

· The Government could educate and train the tribals in adoptingScientific Agricultural Techniques by providing high yielding seedvarieties and modern agriculture implements and techniques.

· The Government could provide adequate financial assistance to thetribals so that they would avoid going to pawn brokers who exploitthem.

· The Government could extend support to the tribals by creatingan organised market and fix reasonable market price to the products

· The Government could provide support for marketing the produce.

· The Government could act as a link to the tribals and industry byidentifying the industries who buy and process the horticultureand forest produce and create a market for their products and betterprice for producers.

Therefore, planned efforts are necessary to usher integrated developmentand provide necessary infrastructure to reach the remote areas of theEastern Ghats by developing the necessary transportation andcommunication facilities. The Government could establish a market andthe Information regarding the prices for various commodities must beprovided at all the market centres organised in the region for developingtrade in farm and non-farm products. Roads and other communicationfacilities are to be well developed for overall development of the economyof this region.

References:

1. EPTRI, 1998, Proceedings of the National Seminar on conservationof Eastern Ghats.

2. Rami Reddy, S., 1984, Economy of the Eastern Ghats in “EcoDevelopment of Eastern Ghats - Status Report”

N. Rama Rao, Scientist-SE, Institute of Wood Science & Technology, Malleshwaram, Bangalore - 560 003 T. Ravi Shanker, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Ramaraopet, Kakinada-533 004.

A.N. Henry,, Emeritus Scientist, Botanical Survey of India, Southern Circle, Coimbatore-641 003.

Collection and Consumption of Wild Tubers/Rhizomesby the Various Tribes in Andhra Pradesh

INTRODUCTION

The natural forests of the Indian region are well known for itsindigenous wealth of plant genetic resources and permit the

indigenous people to make use of these resources to an extent. Theavailability and quantity of tubers are though less for the local population,which are collected from the wild and semi-wild for consumption andare accepted as desirable sources of food. They are familiar with location

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DHAMMA SARU-B; NAGSARI-B.Processed tubers are eaten by Koyas.

3. Chlorophtytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker (Liliace)Common; Moist areas of deciduous forests of all districts(79410,85520).BHUDENDA-J, S; PEDDA GARAGANGA-C; LODANGABHAJI-GNTubers used as a vegetable by Savaras.

4. Costus speciosus (Koenig.) Sm.(Zingiberaceae)Common; Moist localities of all districts (76984,83643)BERSI GADDA-L; Besika, BESUGU, BESUKA;BOKACHHALU-J; KANDODU-S; KEVU KANDA-KD, KK;RONGHCHE BUTTA-B, KH, P; ULTARAMAM-GN.Rhizome used as vegetable by all tribes.

5. Curculigo trichocarpa (Wight ) Bennet & Raizada (Hypoxidaceae)Common; Hilly areas of Eastern Ghats and Visakhapatnamdistricts (85563).THENE GURIDI-B, KR.Tubers/rhizomes cooked and eaten by Bagatas and Konda reddis.

6. Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae)Common; Hilly areas of Godavari Valley and Upper Godavaridistricts (84016, 84317).NALLA CHANDA, NALLA GADDA-KR, K, V.Sliced tubers kept in running water for a day, then boiled andwater filtered out twice, cooked with tamarind juice (Tamarindusindica) and eaten by tribes of Upper Godavari.

7. Dioscorea glabra Roxb. (Dioscoreaceae)Common; hilly areas of Godavari Valley and Upper Godavaridistricts (84225, 843200).GINTEGA-K,KR,V;PITTA KANDA-B,KD,ND;TARAAGAIKANDA-KH,KK,P.Tubers cooked and eaten by Godavari Valley and UpperGodavari tribes.

8. Dioscorea hispida Dennst. (Dioscoreaceae)Common; Nallamalais, Godavari Valley and Upper Godavaridistricts (83930, 84360)CHANDA GADDA,VELI CHANDA GADDA-J, KR,V;THELLA CHANDA GADDA, THELLA SANNA GADDA-KD, KR,K,ND;VERUVELA GADDA-C.Sliced tubers kept in running water for a day and boiled withleaves of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) the water filtered out,then cooked and eaten by all tribes.

9. Dioscorea oppositifolia L. (Dioscorecaeae)Common; hilly areas of all districts (79496, 83975).AARE THEGA-K, KR,V,GADO,PARU-S; PALLERUGADDA,TARAGAI KANDA,THEGA DUMPA-J,KD,KH,NDTubers cooked and eaten by all tribes.

10. Dioscorea pentaphylla L. (Dioscoreceae)Common; all districts (83602, 84342).P;THELLA VAYAMU THEGA-KD,KR,K, ND, V.

of tuberous plants spread out in the forest areas, Often knowledgeableabout the availability of wide varieties of these plants. Several of thesegenetic resources constitute the raw material that plant breeders andbiotechnologists use to produce new varieties and breeds. The tribals andethnic diversity has contributed in its selection, perpetuation, evolutionand conservation of this invaluable diversity (Chandel, 1996). Withoutaccess to traditional land races and their wild relatives modern agriculturewould be seriously endangered. But the genetic variants have to beidentified and understood in nature.

Intensive field studies were undertaken in various agro-climatic regionsof Northern Circars (Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnamdistricts), Godavari Valley (Adilabad, East Godavari, Karimnagar,Khammam, Warangal, and West Godavari districts) and in Nallamalais(Kurnool, Mahaboobnagar and Prakasam districts) of Andhra Pradeshover a period of seven years. The field tours were conducted in differentseasons of a year. The tribals inhabiting these areas are Bagatas, Chenchus,Gadabas, Gonds, Jatapus, Khonds, Kolams, Konda Doras, KondaKummaras, Konda reddis, Koyas, Lambadis, Nakipods, Nuka doras,Pardhans, Porjas, Savaras and Valmikis. Depending upon the weatherconditions, these tribals mostly in groups of three to four persons set outearly in the morning or during the day. They look for drying plants withripe yellow leaves to obtain good and mature tubers. They collect thetubers from the soil without disturbing/harming the roots of associatedplants and also leave a small portion of the tuber back in the pit and coverit with loose soil. It was noticed that big, ripened and tastier tubers/rhizomes are available between December and May and in rest of theperiods, the tubers are not tasty or fully mature. Before consumption ofwild tubers, a long process is involved to remove the high content oftoxic components. Sliced tubers are kept in running water for a day, afterthorough wash, and boiled with leaves of tamarind (Tamarindus indica).The water is decanted, then cooked and consumed by all the tribes.

The following are the wild tubers/rhizomes of edible plants collectedfrom these areas. Identity of these species has been fully confirmed andvoucher specimens deposited in MH. The citation nomenclature isfollowed by family name in parentheses; the field numbers were givenafter the frequency of distribution in Andhra Pradesh. The local name(s)of the plants are given in capital letters followed by abbreviated names oftribes who use them. The tribal names are as follows : B-Bagatas, C-Cenchus, G-Gadabas, GN-Gonds, J-Jatapus, KH-Khonds, KL-Kolams,KD-Konda doras, KK-Konda Kammaras, KR-Konda reddis, K-Koyas, L-Lambadis, NP-Nakipods, ND-Nuka doras, PD-Pradhans, P-Porjas, S-Savaras and V-Valmikies. The tribal name is not indicated if thelocal name do vary.

1. Amorphallus paeonilifolius (Dennst.) Nicoloson (Araceae)Common; Upper Godavari districts of Eastern Ghats (84336).GANDIGADDA-S; PULIDUMPA-J; PUTTAKANDA-KR.Corms boiled with leaves of tamarind (Tamarindus indica), slicedand washed in running water. The washed slices are boiled withfruit juice of tamarind and eaten by Jatapus, Konda Reddis andSavaras.

2. Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott V. curvatum (Roxb.) Engler(Araceae)Common; Upper Godavari districts; in moist shady localities(84224,85582)

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Tubers sliced and kept in running water for a day, after thoroughwashing, cooked and eaten by all tribes.

11. Dioscorea puber Blume (Dioscoreaceae)Occasional; Moist valleys of Upper Godavari districts (83604,84359).KASI THEEGA-J,S; SAVIDE DUMPA-K, KD, KR, ND.Tubers cooked and eaten by Upper Godavari tribes.

12. Dioscorea tomentosa Koenig ex Spreng. (Dioscoreae)Common; all districts (79495, 84333)BARO-S; NULA GADDA -C, KD, KR, ND,V; VUKKATHEEGA-J.Tubers cooked and eaten by all tribes.

13. Dioscorea wallichi Hook. (Dioscoreaceae)Occasional; Nallamalais and hills of Upper Godavari districts(84204, 84315).CHERANGI KANDA-KH, KK,P; NARA DUMPA-B, K, KD,KR, ND,V; PEETA KANDA-KH.Tubers boiled, thoroughly washed in water, cooked and eaten bytribes of Nallamalais and Upper Godavari districts.

14. Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw. (Araceae)Common; marshy areas and along streams of Godavari Valley andUpper Godavari districts (85519).KATTA SARU-KH,P; SALVA DUMPA-KR.Rhizomes cooked and eaten by Konda reddis.

15. Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC. (Ranunuculaceae)Common;deciduous forests of all districts (76845,85542).KONDA MUDUSU THEEGA-K, V; ROMPA THEEGA-J;VORRA THEEGA-KR.Tubers used as vegetable by Chenchus.

16. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nelumbonaceae)Common; Perennial ponds and tanks of all districts (83745)DAMARA-C; KALUVA.Rhizomes and tender petioles used as vegetable by all tribes.

17. Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb.ex Willd.)DC. (Fabaceae)Common;hilly areas of all districts (79594, 86511).

BHUCHAKKARA GADDA-C; THALA MADU GADDA-GN.Tubers used as vegetable by Chenchus and Lambadies.

18. Smilax zeylanica L. (Smilaceae)Common; deciduous forests of all districts (83620,86133).KANTA SARA THEEGA-C;PAARSA THEEGA, TAMARA-KD,KR, ND;KONDA TAMARA-S.Tubers cooked and eaten by Koyas and Konda reddis.

19. Solena heterophylla Lour. (Cucurbitaceae)Common; deciduous forests of all districts (79491, 86618).ADAVI DHONDA-K, KR; MAARSA-S; NALLA DHONDA,PAMU DHONDA-C;THONDRI-GN.Tubers and tender fruits used as vegetable by all tribes.

20. Theriophonum minutum (Willd.) Baillon (Araceae)Occasional; moist forests of Godavari Valley and Nallamalais (84007).ADAVI CHAMPA-K.Tubers boiled with leaves of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), washedthoroughly, then cooked and eaten by Konda reddis and Koyas.

21. Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) G.Don (Orchidaceae)Common; all districts (76814, 83114).BADANIKA; BAJINIKA-KR, K. V; TENGAPOOL-KH, KK,P;VEGA BADANIKA-J, KD, ND; BADES-S; AJANIKA-GN.Tender velamen roots cooked and eaten by Gonds during scarcity.

CONCLUSIONS

Among tuberous plants, the genus Dioscorea possesses richest diversity inthis region. Genetically diverse crop varieties enable indigenous populationto enhance the food security of their household and to exploit a range ofcrop products. In addition, the medicinal components possessed by sometubers such as Solena heterophylla and Smilax zeylanica have therapeuticvalue and used in traditional medicine by indigenous people whichconstitute an important resource with tremendous future prospects.

Reference

CHANDEL, K.P.S.,1996. Biodiversity and Strategies for Plantgermplasm conservation in India. Tropical Ecology 37 (1):21-29.

8

Introduction

Visakhapatnam District is one of the North –Eastern Coastal Districtsof Andhra Pradesh and it lies between 170 –15’ and 180-32’ of

North latitude and 180-54’and 830-30’of Eastern longitude. It is partlybounded by Vizianagaram in the north, East Godavari district in thesouth and Orissa in the north-west, and by Bay of Bengal in theeast.Visakhapatnam district comprises of eight tribal development blocks.

Physical Features of the district in general:

The district presents two distinct Geographical divisions, the strip of theland along the coast and the interior called the plains division and hilly areaof the Eastern Ghats flanking it on the North and West called AgencyDivision. The Agency Division of the regions covered by the Eastern Ghatswith an altitude of about 900m dotted by several peaks exceeding 1200m. These Ghats have high ridges in the Chintapalle and Gangraraju

Rajashekar Tummala, EPTRI-ENVIS , Hyderabad


Tribal areas of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh,India- WithSpecial reference to the demographic characteristics & Medicinal Flora

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VISAKHAPVISAKHAPVISAKHAPVISAKHAPVISAKHAPAAAAATTTTTNNNNNAM DISTRAM DISTRAM DISTRAM DISTRAM DISTRICTICTICTICTICT

Ananatagiri

Borra Caves

Tribal developmentblocks inVisakhapatnamdistrict

Munchingputtu

Pedabayulu

Paderu

G.Madugula

Chintapalle

Koyyuru Visakhapatnam

G.K. Veedhi

Hukumpeta

Dumbriguda

Araku Valley

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Anantagiri tribal area signifies

Geologicaland

Archeologicalsignificance ofEastern Ghats

Madugula mandals in the district with Sankaram topping 1615 m andembraces the mandals of Paderu, Gangaraju.Madugula (G.Madugula),Pedabayalu, Munchingputu, Hukumpeta, Dumbriguda,Araku Valley,Ananthagiri, Chintapalli, G.K.Veedhi, and Koyyuru (Erstwhile Taluks ofPaderu, Araku, and Chintapalli) in entity. These hill formations compriseof Northern section of Eastern Ghats. Machkund River on re flow becomesSileru, drains and waters the area in its flow and refolds and is tapped forpower generation. The other division is the plains division with altitude nowhere rivulets Meghadari Gedda and Gambheeram Gedda.Since no majorirrigation system exists any significant sub regional agronomic variationsexist in this division. Along the shore lies a series of salt and sandy swamps.Thecoast line is broken by a number of establishments of Natural Harbor atVisakhapatnam, at Rishikonda the Polavaram Rock and the big NarsimhaHill at Bheemunipatnam. Administratively, the District is divided in to 3Revenue Divisions and 43 Mandals.

Demographic Characteristics: The population of the District is 32.8lakhs as per 1991 Census and this constituted 4.95% of the Populationof the State while geographical area of the district is 11,161 Sq. Kms,which is only 4.1% of the area of the state. Out of thetotal population of the state 16.63 lakhs are malesand 16.22 lakhs are females. The sex ratio is 975females per 1000 males.The District has a density ofpopulation of 294 per sq. km. Agency area showslesser density and plain area higher density 39.88%of the population reside in the 17 heretic urbansettlements while rest of the population is distributedin 3,132 villages. Scheduled castes constitute of7.82% of the population while scheduled tribesaccount for 14.28% of the population of the district.The district has a work force of 13.15 lakhsconstituting about 40.02% the population besidesthe marginal workers to a tune of 1.01 lakhs. Amongmain workers, the cultivators constitute 36.31%agricultural labourers 23.60% and the balance of40.09 % engage in primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.

Tribal Area: Araku,Ananthagiri,Chintapalli,Gangaraju Madugul(G.Madugula), Koyyuru, Pedabayalu, Muchingput and a long strip ofNarsipatnam block of Narsipatnam taluk, V.Madugula, K.Kotapadu andRavikamatham of Chodavaram taluk. Orissa state, on the north boundthis area on the north and west east by Srikakulam district, on the South–East by East Godavari district.

Scheduled Tribe Population:

The tribal population of the district is as follows according to Censusstatistics (1998), Government of India Gazette publications.

1961 Census 1.85 Lakhs.1971 Census 3.00 Lakhs.1981 Census 3.54 Lakhs1991 Census 4.69 Lakhs

The main habitations of the tribals in Visakhapatnam district are in thetribal development blocks comprising of eight blocks they are Ananthagiri,Araku, Munchingiputu, Pedabayalu, Paderu, G.Madugula, ChintaPalli,Koyyuru.

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Administrative Divisions:

(Paderu revenue division in which the tribal development blocks arethere.)

Sl.No Tribal development blocks Area in Sq.Kms.

1. Ananthagiri 741.002. Araku 533.763. Munchingiputu 440.324. Pedabayalu 563.005. Paderu 704.006. Gangaraju.Madugula 568.327. Chintapalli 2173.008. Koyyuru 181.11

Total 3731.51

Area depicted in the map with tribal pockets areearmarked in the legend classification to locate thetribal areas in the district map of Visakhapatnamdistrict. The total geographical area of the district is11,161 Sq. kms. and the tribal development blockscomprise of 3731.51 Sq. kms .The population isabout 4.69 Lakhs. The density of population inTribal development block varies from 24 to 80per Sq.km., while the average density of populationper Sq.km. is recorded in Araku Block (80) followedby Paderu while the minimum is recorded inChintapalli (24). Chintapalli block is the largestone in size and has dense forest and hilly tracts.The Scheduled tribes Population is heavilyconcentrated in Paderu. The highest concentrationof scheduled tribe population is in Paderu

(93.54%). Followed by Chintapalli (82.09%). The decimal growth ofpopulation in Tribal Block Development Areas from 1941 onwardsindicates a linear growth starting from 1.32% to 42.7% till 1971.

In Ananthagiri tribal development block area comprises of Borra Caves,one of the oldest cave formations in World stand as evidence to thegeological and archeological significance of the Eastern Ghats, whichare known for Stalactites and Stalagmite formations, which do resemblinganthomorphic and zoomorphic, shapes. The caves are spread over anarea of two km

2. The Borra Caves are located in the heart of the tribal

pocket of Visakhapatnam district. The tribes of this region areKondadoras, Nookadoras,Bagatas, Kutias, Porjahs, Khonds andKhondakammaras. For these tribals groups, the Borra Caves are aninseparable part of their folklore and identity.

The caves hold a religious significance to the people who believe thatthe Stalactites and Stalagmites are Shiva Lingas (Phallic form of Worshipof Lord Shiva). All theTribal development blocks are being placed in thePaderu revenue division due to their geographical location along theagency tracts.

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The ethnic matrix of the tribes constituting the Scheduled populationin Visakhapatnam District are as follows:

1. Bagatas2. Konda Dora3. Valmiki4. Konda-Kapu5. Kondhs6. Konda Kammara7. Kotia-Bentho Oriya8. Porjahs9. Gadaba10. Mukha Dora11. Manne Dora12. Yerrukula13. Mali14. Nooka Dora15. Kutias

The tribal commune does depend upon various medicinal flora as asource of revenue which are sold to Girijan Cooperation Limited. Theseare few of the medicinal species being grown on a commercial scale inthe tribal areas as Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and also beingcollected from the wild.

List of Medicinal Species:

1. Bixa orellana is grown as a natural colourant/natural dye yieldingplant, commonly known as Jaffrachettu in Telugu/Annato is aPortuguese name for Bixa orellana as it is widely known acrossIndia.

2. Myrobalans such as Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica,Terminalia chebula are grown in the agency tracts.

3. Piper longum known as (Pippallu in Telugu language ) are extensivelygrown in the agency tracts. Apart from the existing keystone species,other species of medicinal importance are Adina cordifolia, Bridelliaretusa, Buchnania latifolia,Terminalia tomentosa, Pterocarpusmarsupium, Tamarindus indicus, Pongamia, Mangifera indica, Meliaazadirachta, Albizzia amara, Dillenia pentagyna, and Bambusaarundinacea, Dendrocalamus strictus,Somyida febrifuga, Anogiessuslatifolia, Diospyros Spp, Ixora parviflora, Ochna squarrosa, andTamarindus indicus is the chief minor forest produce.

Sandal wood trees (Santalum album) are found in the K.D. Peta araea ofthe Paderu zone in Visakhapatnam district.

Bibliography:

1. Andhra Pradesh Year Book(1988) : A data news featurespublication.

2. Andhra Pradesh at 50(1998) : A basic Analysis edited byData News Features Hyderabad.

3. C. Siva Sankara Reddy, C. Suvarna and RajashekarTummala(2000) : A Profile of Dye yielding speciesissued by Research & Development Circle –ForestDepartment - Andhra Pradesh.

4. P.S. Rao, K.Venkaih and R. Padmaja(1999) : A Field Guide onMedicinal Plants, issued by Research & Development Circle,Forest Department –Andhra Pradesh.

5. Handbook of Statistics(1992-93), Compiled & Publishedby the Chief Planning Officer, Visakhapatnam.

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Evolution of human life and culture has directly or indirectly been associated with nature, and influenced by the surrounding

environment. It is well known that the relationshipbetween man and the environment in general has neverbeen static. The life, culture and traditions of tribalcommunities however, remained static for hundreds ofyears and often it is said that they are the livingarchaeological museums of ancient traditions and culturalheritage of a nation. Primitive man living closely associatedwith nature chiefly depended on forests for survival. Hisdependence on the plants around him made him acquirethe knowledge of economic and medicinal values of manyplants and animals by trial and error. Consequently hebecame the storehouse of knowledge of many useful aswell as harmful plants, accumulated and enriched through

generations. This knowledge was passed on from one generation to another,without any written documents. It is therefore important that before this

rich unwritten folklore on uses of plant resources is lostforever, through the recent accelerated ‘civilization’ of thetribals, it must be properly documented and preserved.

Among the several approaches to ethnobotanicalresearch, the most important ones are througharcheological study, literature survey, herbarium andfield surveys. The field approach plays a vital role,because of the direct contact that can be establishedwith the tribals living in harmony with surroundingvegetation, which can easily bring out the authenticinformation on the uses of plants both wild andcultivated.

Dr. Uma RamachandranFormer ENVIS Coordinator,

Environment Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI),91/4, Gachibowli, HYDERABAD - 500 032

Forests & Tribals: Recognition of their integration

Need to beNeed to beNeed to beNeed to beNeed to be documented documented documented documented documented

unwrittenunwrittenunwrittenunwrittenunwrittenTTTTTrrrrr ibal knoibal knoibal knoibal knoibal knowledgwledgwledgwledgwledgeeeee

beforebeforebeforebeforebeforeadventadventadventadventadvent

ofofofofof‘Modernisation’‘Modernisation’‘Modernisation’‘Modernisation’‘Modernisation’

11


However, presently the tribes are rapidly being assimilated into modemsocieties and the treasure of knowledge is fast disappearing. This callsfor urgent steps to update the study for strengthening the relationshipbetween tribes and forest resources. This could be done by

• Proper documentation and preservation of folk-lore and traditionsbefore disappearance

• Preparation of inventories on plants used by tribals for variouspurposes including conservation of plants, wild genetic resourcesof useful and cultivated crops, and also the uses of animals by tribes

• Gaining of indepth knowledge of tribals and to developingappropriate scientific base for the promotion of locally orientedproduction- technology based on easily available resources as wellas upgradation of local skills and their economy.

Complete understanding of the links between forest and tribals is thereforethe key to preserve their associations.

Dolphin’s Nose: -

Dolphin’s Nose is a famous landmark in Visakhapatnam. This rockypromontory in the port is 358 meters high and called as

“ Yarada Konda” by the locals and is known popularly as “Dolphin’sNose”, because of its shape which resembles a dolphin. Standing by theinlet into the inner harbour, it has a light house and a temple of SagaraGiri Kanaka Durga. This Special Cover was issued to commemorate theinauguration of the Philatelic Bureau in Visakhapatnam on 22.4.1982,with postal cancellation of light house on the Dolphin’s Nose and theYarada Hill at Visakhapatnam sea coast along with Ross Hill photograph,which are the part of the Yarada Hill ranges of Eastern Ghats extendingtowards the coast along Visakhapatnam. “Dolphin’s Nose” atVisakhapatnam sea coast is a part of Yarada Hills and forms the landlocked natural harbour.

A brief note on the Ross Hill & other hills:

The photograph depicts three hills close to one another with a temple, achurch and a mosque on each hill.

Landmarks of Yarada Hill Ranges, Eastern Ghats, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on a SpecialPhilatelic Cover issued by the Department of Posts & Telegraphs on 22.4.1982.

♦ Ross Hill: This is named after Mr. Ross, who built his house in 1864at the top of the hill and later converted into a RomanCatholic Church and named it as “Our Lady of Sacred Heart”.

♦ Dargha Konda: There is a mosque and shrine of a Muslim saintIshaque Madina, who was revered for his prophesies.

♦ Sri Venkateswara Konda: According to inscriptions, this temple wasbuilt by Captain Blackmoor in 1886 and dedicated toLord Sri Venkateswara.

Acknowledgement: I thank Mr. Mathen Mathew, Deccan Travel Bureaufor allowing me to utilize his archieves for this article.

Rajashekar Tummala,EPTRI-ENVIS Centre, Hyderabad.

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12

Vol.7, No. 1, 2001The Eastern GhatsE P T R I - E N V I S N e w s L e t t e r

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