Totemy plants associated with different clans of Bhils of Ratlam district (Madhya Pradesh) and their role in conservation

摘要

The social organization of the Bhils of Ratlam is based upon the clans. Various clans are named after certain plants; this fact plays a significant role in conservation of nature. The present paper deals with 21 such plant species, which are the totems of 40 clans of Bhils. The Bhil tribals worship the plants of their respective clans and do not use them in any form.