Examining the Impact of Forest Policies on Sacred Groves in India: A Historical Review

Owing to their ecological, cultural and spiritual value in traditional civilisations, Sacred Groves have been vital to forest and biodiversity protection since ancient times. With their long-standing rituals, rites and customs, these places represent a balanced relationship between humans and the environment and act as essential linkages between communities of the past and present. However, as a result of the continuing repercussions of European colonialism, extraction of resources was given priority over the rights of Indigenous people to their forests under India’s forest rules. This led to serious environmental damage and the marginalisation of traditional forest management techniques. Utilising a qualitative, historical research approach and drawing conclusions from a range of secondary sources, this study critically investigates how Indian forest regulations have impacted traditional management methods, with a particular emphasis on Sacred Groves.