An Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge Collection at Botanical Survey of India, Shillong

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge is the information gathered by indigenous communities within a particular area over many years. The study has been confined to the indigenous knowledge collection of the Botanical Survey of India, Shillong only. The main objective of BSI is to survey and document traditional knowledge (Ethno-botany) associated with plants. Most of the information is available in the form of books and project reports as well as research papers by BSI scientists. Apart from these sources one medicinal plant database is there with information of 1915 species, 1082 samples of Indian textile and 3000 samples of dye patterns in digitised form. They have collections on various fields like medicine, art & culture, local drinks, agriculture etc. Those resources are collected from different states of India across various tribes. Lack of awareness is the main problem faced by the organisation in collecting indigenous knowledge documents, but they are trying to create awareness by organising different programs.