CENTRE FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH IN ETHNOBOTANY AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Ethnobotany is the study of interrelations between humans and plants; however, the current use of the term implies the study of indigenous or traditional knowledge of plants. It involves the indigenous knowledge of plant classification, cultivation, and use as food, medicine, and shelter. The use of ethnobotany in plant selection entails a careful recording of the relationship between indigenous communities and plants. It is a very complex undertaking that often requires the collaboration of experts drawn from various disciplines such as anthropology, botany, ecology, pharmacy, linguistics, medicine, and ethnography. Ethnobotany has now emerged as a discipline that studies all types of interrelations between people and plants.
Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities around the world. Developed from experience gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and environment, traditional knowledge is transmitted orally from generation to generation. It tends to be collectively owned and takes the form of stories, songs, folklore, proverbs, cultural values, beliefs, rituals, community laws, local language, and agricultural practices, including the development of plant species and animal breeds. Sometimes it is referred to as an oral tradition for it is practiced, sung, danced, painted, carved, chanted, and performed down through millennia. Traditional knowledge is mainly of a practical nature, particularly in such fields as agriculture, fisheries, health, horticulture, forestry, and environmental management in general. Traditional knowledge can make a significant contribution to sustainable development. The practices of most indigenous peoples and local communities have been proven to enhance and promote biodiversity at the local level and aid in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Keeping view in this, the Centre was established on 14.06.2023 in the premise of Lanka Mahavidyalaya, Lanka, Assam. The Centre is administrated by an Advisory Board and a Coordinator. Presently a major research project is going on entitled “Survey and documentation of wild edible plants (WEPs) of Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone, Assam for defence application” funded by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Defence Ministry, Govt.
of India.

Advisory Board:
Prof. Bhaben Tanti
Professor & Head, Department of Botany
Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam
Prof. Kumananda Tayung
Professor, Department of Botany
Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam
Dr. Rajib Gogoi
Head of Office, Botanical Survey of India
Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre
Gangtok, Sikkim
Coordinator:
Dr. Phatik Tamuli
Principal, Lanka Mahavidyalaya
Lanka, Hojai, Assam