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Rajbandh Sacred Grove
Rajbandh village, near Guptamani, West Midnapore district, West Bengal
India
Active
Single grove
- Location
- Rajbandh village, near Guptamani, West Midnapore district, West Bengal
- Coordinates
- ~22.4°N 87.2°E
- Age / Founded
- Traditional (relict)
- Status
- Active
- Deity & Religion
- Local deities/spirits; Hindu/tribal totemic
- Community & Guardians
- Mahali, Mahata and Santal communities
- Vernacular name
- Than (Garamthan/Jaherthan)
- Record type
- Single grove
Cultural practices & uses
Totemic plant/forest worship; community management
Plant species
Total inventory by PRA (not fully enumerated)
Biome & fauna
West Bengal lateritic forest patch
Threats & protection
Reliance on traditional taboos; modernization pressure
Source
Bhakat, Koley, Kundu & Sen, 'Culture and Conservation: Lessons from a Sacred Grove', Environmental Issues and Other Essays (INCAA)