SACRED GROVES AND SOCIAL ECOLOGY: THE SOCIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF FLORA AND FAUNA IN INDIAN CULTURAL LANDSCAPES

Abstract

Sacred groves represent an ancient and ecologically significant practice in India, embodying the deep-rooted relationship between society and nature. These forest patches, preserved through religious and cultural norms, reflect the indigenous knowledge systems, values, and worldviews of various Indian communities. This paper explores sacred groves as socio-cultural and ecological institutions, focusing on their role in biodiversity conservation, social organization, and religious practice. Drawing from sociological theories and ethnographic studies, it analyzes how flora and fauna within sacred groves are assigned symbolic meanings and contribute to social cohesion, environmental ethics, and community-based resource management. By investigating the contemporary challenges facing sacred groves amid modernization, the paper also addresses the implications for environmental justice, policy-making, and sustainable development. Ultimately, sacred groves exemplify a form of social ecology that bridges cultural heritage and ecological sustainability in India.