Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Sustainable Forest Management Among the Oraon of Matha Hill, Purulia

Abstract: India has many cultures and a lot of tribal groups that have lived in peace with nature since the emergence of humans. The Oraon group, which is also called Kurukh or Dhangar, is one of the biggest Scheduled Tribes in Jharkhand. Most of them live in Jharkhand and nearby states like West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, MP, Bihar, and other parts of the country and abroad. The present study tries to reveal the role of Indigenous Knowledge and sustainable forest management among the Oraon of Mudidih village of Matha hills in the Purulia district of West Bengal. The Oraons have traditionally relied on forests for their religion, culture, and way of life. They have a lot of knowledge about traditional farming, using forests, healing, and activities that happen in nature. This ancient ecological knowledge is not only a big part of who they are, but it also shows others how to live in a way that doesn't harm the environment. Even though there are constitutional protections and positive policies in place since independence, the Oraons and many other tribal groups are still on the outside, and their knowledge systems are not fully taken into account in standard forest management plans. When looking at world environmental problems like climate change and cutting down trees, the Oraons' eco-friendly ways of living teach us a lot about protecting forests. Through traditional Anthropological tools like observation, in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, photography, etc., were used for the present research.