Question

Match column I (sacred groves) with column II (states) and select the correct option :

Column I	Column II
1. Aravalli hills	A. Madhya Pradesh
2. Khasi and Jaintia	B. Rajasthan
3. Sarguja and Chandar	C. Meghalaya

• A. 1 - B, 2 - C, 3 - A
• B. 1 - A, 2 - C, 3 - B
• C. 1 - C, 2 - B, 3 - A
• D. 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - C

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1 - B, 2 - C, 3 - A

Sacred groves refers to the forest tracts that are held in high regard and esteem due to their association with nearby places of worship. The social traditions and taboos associated with these places inculcate values amongst the members of the local communities which cause them to protect the plants and wildlife in these areas.

Thus these forests have minimal human impact and hence act as an ideal site for the conservation of organisms in their natural habitat. Hence sacred groves are categorized under in situ strategies for the conservation of biodiversity.

In India, the sacred groves are found in the following areas :

• Aravalli hills of Rajasthan.
• Khasi and Jaintia hills in Meghalaya.
• Western Ghats region of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
• Sarguja, Chandar and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh.

Hence option a is correct.

Figure : Sacred groves of India