Question

Which of the following sacred groves is found in Meghalaya?

• A. Jaintia hills
• B. Bastar
• C. Chanda
• D. Sarguja

Hint:

For competitive exams, remember the specific locations of sacred groves mentioned in NCERT:
Meghalaya = Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Rajasthan = Aravalli Hills.
Chhattisgarh = Bastar, Chanda, Sarguja.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks us to identify which sacred grove is found in Meghalaya. Let us explore the information related to sacred groves and understand why 'Jaintia hills' is the correct answer.

Sacred Groves: These are patches of forest or natural vegetation that are conserved by the local communities with religious zeal. Such groves are considered as abodes of deities and ancestors, and the locals protect these regions with high reverence, practicing taboos against cutting trees or removing even a twig.

Explanation:

• Jaintia Hills: Located in Meghalaya, the Jaintia Hills region is well-known for several sacred groves that are preserved by local tribes, primarily the Khasi and the Jaintia. These groves are part of the traditional belief systems, and cutting any trees from these groves is strictly prohibited.
• Bastar: Bastar is a region located in Chhattisgarh known for its tribal culture, but it is not specifically known for sacred groves.
• Chanda: Now known as Chandrapur, it is a district in Maharashtra and is not noted for sacred groves.
• Sarguja: A district in Chhattisgarh, it does not have a notable mention of sacred groves comparable to those in Meghalaya.

Among the given options, Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya is the area renowned for having sacred groves.

Conclusion: The sacred groves found in Meghalaya are an essential part of the cultural and ecological identity of the state. Therefore, the correct answer is Jaintia hills.