Author(s): Kumari Anima and PK Mishra

Abstract:
Mahua is a native plant of India. This tree belongs to the family sapotaceae and the major species of genus Madhuca found are Madhuca indica and Madhuca longifolia. Jharkhand (the land of trees) is a state of India rich in its forest resource is blessed with large population of Mahua trees. Mahua tree has a Holi identity among trees and it is worshipped by the Tribal population of Jharkhand. It is used for many culinary preparations and is used for medicines. Young generations engaged in their own wonderland bother less about their traditional treasure if not motivated towards preserving the cultural and food heritage will end up losing many values and real transfer of the knowledge would not be passed to the next generation. The present study is an attempt to fulfil this gap in knowledge. It was found that the persons belonging to rural areas specially tribal areas were having well knowledge about this very plant and its recipes, medicinal and spiritual values.