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T. S. Srinivasamurthy , Mohan Karnat , V. Prabhakaran , S. N. Elkunchwar , K. Ravikumar , Utkarsh Ghate , Satish Jadhav

Abstract

State Forest Departments (SFDs) of Andhra Pradesh , Karnataka , Kerala ,Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra , in consultation with FRLHT and the support of DANIIDA and UNDP have established 54 forest gene banks sites termed 'Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCA)'. The network of 54 MPCAs measuring 200 ha to 500 ha each established gradually since 1993 represents all forest types and large bio-climatic and soil regime variation. These gene banks harbour recorded populations of 45% of flowering and medicinal plants of Peninsular India , including 70% of the red listed. The intra-specific diversity i.e. germplasm conserved in the MPCA network can be used to provide authenticated quality planting material for commercial cultivation to meet rising demands of the herbal industry. MPCAs also constitute 'study sites' for threatened species recovery research. MPCAs have proved crucial in capacity building of forestry staff , local communities and researchers in the conservation of Medicinal Plants for sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing. This experience can help in implementing plans and programmes under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 , National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and Medicinal Plants Board.

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V. Prabhakaran , P. R. Shankar , S. T. Panneerselvam

Abstract

Impact of grazing pressure of 23 camp elephants on Class I teak plantations in the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park was assessed by random quadrats of size 10m×10m. The results indicate serious deterioration of the teak stand due to the debarking and death of trees by camp elephants and the resultant gaps thereby leading to invasion of weeds. The following are the recommendations (a) Periodic shifting of elephant camps with a minimum interdistance of at least 5 km; (b) Camp elephants be left farther for grazing; (c) Stall feeding for camp elephants; (d) Felling of dead teak trees and the proceeds from this sale pumped into the sanctuary for conservation efforts or for the purchase of cut fodder; (e) Utilization of the cleared areas for the cultivation of fodder species.

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V. Prabhakaran ¹

Affiliations
1 Assistant Professor of History, Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College, Rasipuram, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

This research paper probes the bronze images of Chola dynasty which ruled over Thiruvarur or Aaroor served as one of the five traditional capital towns. This town holds the symbol of rich culture of Chola’s hegemony. The Dravidan style of iconography reached its perfection under Cholas. The Metallurgy Art of India reached a pinnacle on of Chola bronzes. The Greenish patina bronze images of Aiyanar riding an elephant, Subramaniya with his consort, Thirugnanasambandar and Lord Ganesha which was created during the medieval period especially in the Thiruvarur had a highest regard of superiority in art for many centuries. These Bronze images were created using “Lost Wax Technique” which specifies that only one specimen of that particular image can be made by the sculptor, so the image is original and it cannot be remade as it is. The craftsmanship of the bronze images of Chola period attained maximum glory. These bronzes were found as treasure troves in Tiruvarur. The Scholar who was a former Curator of this Museum attempt to bring limelight of Iconic excellence of the beauty of these bronze images and the Conservation method adopted to preserve them for future generation.

Keywords

Aiyanar on Elephant, Benzotriosole, Bronzes, Ganesha, Greenish Patina, Lost Wax Technique, Panchaloka, Subramaniya, Thirugnanasambandar, Thiruvarur, Treasure Troves, Valli.

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