Understanding Totemism of Oraon in the light of environmental conservation

Abstract

The present paper explores how traditional knowledge of totemism of the Oraon tribe of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere supports the conservation of biosphere. Naming of the clan totems after plants, animals, and other objects of their daily needs or ecosystem reveals their special necessity to the bio-diversity inevitable for their survival and the need for their conservation. Each clan group has its own faith, taboos and other practices which protect these species expressed in the form of clan totem which supports conservation of bio-diversity and natural resources. Genealogical study also reveals the inextricable role and functions of clan totems in the social system of the Oraon community.