Research Article | Published: 30 October 2024

Floral Diversity of Sarnath Campus: Proposal for an Urban Sacred Grove in the Varanasi Division, Uttar Pradesh, India  

Rishi Kumar Sahu, Ritu  Singh and Shiv  Narayan  Dubey

Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume: 31 | Issue: 3 | Page No. 250-258 | 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2024-2YPQDH | Cite this article

Abstract

Sarnath, a revered Buddhist site in Varanasi where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, is rich in floral diversity. A detailed survey of the Sarnath campus identified 106 trees,  43 shrubs, 11 palms and 3 bamboo species, including indigenous, invasive, and vulnerable types, many of which hold mythological, ethical, and aesthetic significance. As a well-maintained heritage site under government protection, Sarnath offers both spiritual and ecological value. Given its rich plant diversity, it is recommended that the campus be recognized as an Urban Sacred Grove, honoring its botanical wealth and spiritual legacy.

Keywords

Biodiversity, Botanical wealth, Indigenous, Invasive, Dev Van, Sarnath

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How to cite

Sahu, R.K., Singh, R. and Dubey, S.N., 2024. Floral Diversity of Sarnath Campus: Proposal for an Urban Sacred Grove in the Varanasi Division, Uttar Pradesh, India  . Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 31(3), pp.250-258. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2024-2YPQDH

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 11 October 2024

Manuscript Revised on 25 October 2024

Manuscript Accepted on 28 October 2024

Manuscript Published on 30 October 2024

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