TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE ANCIENT TAMILS – CONSERVATION OF SACRED ELEMENTS

Traditional knowledge systems play an important role in the conservation of sacred elements such as place names and its ecological significance, sacred grove, sacred tree, remnant tree worship, sacred gardens and sacred animals. The knowledge possessed by the indigenous communities and tribes has also been found to be very useful in the revival of folk traditions of Tamil Nadu. In ancient Tamil Nadu, the concept of kaaval marangal (Protecting trees) was prevalent. The ancient Tamils realised the social, economical, medicinal and environmental importance of these plants. Thus, willy-nilly genetic biodiversity was protected. For example, the red flowers of the Indian coral tree are used in the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva; the flowers of Alari (Nerium indicum) in the worship of Lord Siva and the Sun-god; of ketaki (Yucca gloriosa) in the worship of Lakshmi, and of pala or breadfruit (Artocarpus integrifolia) in the worship of Lord Vishnu. The use of some flowers is prohibited in worship rites like vaagai (sirisa or parrot tree/Albizzia lebbeck) in the worship of Lord Ganesha and vengai (Pterocarpus marsupium) in the worship of Lord Siva. Even if the tree withered, the worship still continued. Later the Tamils sculpted the image of the former sacred tree and worshipped it. Thousands of sacred groves have been documented, ranging from a few trees to forests of many acres. Early people throughout India maintained the tradition of sacred groves and forests. Sacred groves thus represent local folklore and religion. Unfortunately, these traditional sacred elements are subjected to severe biotic pressures.