Traditional Ecologicl Knowledge and Ethnobotany from Pithoragarh, Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand. 2 volumes. 2024. 458 co. photogr. on plates. XVI, 922 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

The present text encapsulates, broadly, all the features of TEK and the ethnobotany, as it relates to the district Pithoragarh, the State of Uttarakhand, Kumaun Himalaya. The text is divided into three sections
and 29 chapters. An effort has been made to segregate the broad subject area of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with Ethnobotany per se, and hence Section A that deals with TEK, comprises of initial 8
chapters, starting with the description of the land and its inhabitants in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 attempts to bring forth the salient aspect of conservation vis-a-vis practice of different sets of traditional knowledge-
based systems, inclusive of the Institution of Sacred, and the associated taboo system. Chapter 3, deals with the traditional knowledge base surrounding agriculture, which remains the prime mode of sustenance.
Chapter 4 delves exclusively into the institution of sacred- starting with the concept of sacred species, moving on subsequently to sacred groves/forests, sacred water bodies, sacred mountains, and ultimately
the sacred landscapes. Chapter 5, exclusively deals with the sacred natural sites and the associated taboos. Chapter 6 gives a more cursive outline of the most common resident deities of the sacred natural sites
encountered throughout the study. Invariably, the best-conserved forests remain those wherein the taboo system are stringently practiced, or where there is a 'conspicuous fear factor' associated with the sacred natural site. These two aspects of 'sacred', i.e., the fear factor and the myths associated, form Chapter 7. Almost negligible work has been done on ethnozoology, more so, when one compares the work with the
more prevalent ethnobotanical studies/surveys. Chapter 8 delves into this subject area.

Section B comprises seven chapters that begin with an introductory chapter (Chapter 9) in the field of ethnobotany. Livestock plays a vital role in the livelihood of the local stakeholders of the region. There is a
need to focus research on ethnoveterinary medicine and ultimately blending with conventional veterinary practices to achieve sustainable animal health care in rural and pen-urban communities of the world.
Chapter 10 precisely attempts to inventorize this rich knowledge base-the ethnoveterinary practices. Chapter 11 represents the results of the ethnomycology carried out, specifically in Darma valley, while
Chapter 12 attempts to make available the traditional knowledge-base as relates to dye-yielding plants from the landscape. Wild edible species (WES) contribute substantially to food security for thousands
of mountain inhabiting people. Chapter 13 attempts to inventorize this knowledge-base vis-à-vis WES. Chapter 14 attempts to make available the traditional knowledge base as relates to plants finding use in
the conduction of myriad rituals. The deterioration of uncultivated land has connotations for the declining yield of the fodder bank or its shrinking base. This then leads to a decline inlivestock productivity. Hence, here is a dire need for establishing fodder banks. Chapter 15 is an attempt to inventorize the fodder species. Section C relates to the ethnobotany of ailments or ailments affecting human beings. This section is divided into 15 broad chapters, arranged in the order of different organ-system (Chapters 16 to 24) being individually dealt with. Chapters 25 to 27, are specific to ethnobotany related to diseases or afflictions of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, respectively, while Chapter 28 deals with miscellaneous other disorders, not specific to any one organ system or a causal agent. Finally, Chapter 29 attempts to highlight...