Mini Vijayan
Carmel College of Arts, Science & Commerce for Women, India
Title: Two ‘Golden Grains’ from the treasure trove of rich Indian Traditions
Biography
Biography: Mini Vijayan
Abstract
This research paper is an outcome in part of studying Plant biodiversity in some cultural practices of a specific community - the Kerala Brahmin community - who got settled in Indian Peninsula centuries ago. Literature in this regard is sparse & genuine efforts for documentation were not much. With this background, studies are in progress to understand, enlist, document and preserve the Plant biodiversity related to the customary practices of the said community. The author herself being a member of the community, her own experiences & a book written in vernacular language – ‘Antherjanangalude aacharanushtanangal’ (‘Customary rituals & religious rites observed by women of Brahmin community’, 2002) by Late Smt. Cheruvakkara Parvathy Antherjanam and discussions with the elders in the community have formed the basis of this research.
The ‘Golden grains’ mentioned here are two tropical grass sps.- locally known in vernacular language as ‘Navara’ & ‘Chama’. ‘Navara’ is an exclusive & ancient variety of rice, Oryza sativa & ‘Chama’ , Panicum sumatrense , popularly called as Little millet. ‘Navara’ rice has been in cultivation in the state of Kerala (India) for about 2500 years since the time of Susruta, the Indian pioneer in medicine and surgery. Both these grains are intricately linked to the socio- cultural aspects of the community & have great therapeutic value. Life- style changes combined with erratic climate have adversely affected the cultivation of ‘Navara’ & ‘Chama’. A study of the cultural aspects & a review of the high nutritional & therapeutic values are stated in this paper which are aimed at creating awareness with reference to the agricultural crops in question. The study proclaims the need to preserve ‘locale specific’ ancient traditions which are both eco- friendly & sustainable for conserving biodiversity& combating climate change issues. Most significantly the research paper enlightens the role of cultural ethos in safe guarding the Plant biodiversity of a region.