Sacred Groves of Kudase at Sindhudurg in India: A Discourse on Collective Identity and the Continuity of Tradition

Kudase village is a one of the significant biodiversity hotspots located near Tillari River in Sindhudurg district, India. Tillari bioregion retains its significance as a natural heritage. Being situated close to Talkat forest reserve spotted large number endemic and indigenous species of flora and fauna in the Western Ghats, one of the nominated natural heritage site under UNESCO. Sacred groves around the village still retain their spiritual character and sanctity. These sacred groves are undergoing through many threats such as privatization of forestlands getting converted to monoculture, and so on. It is essential to document and rethink these natural heritage sites as a potential cultural landscape cases to be listed and protected on a broader platform. This discourse tries to record and analyze six sacred groves around Kudase village. As per IUCN guidelines, critical evaluation of sacred groves is done with the help of literature review, field visits, and interviews with experts and local communities. Along with this background research, actual mapping, and field visits are done to identify various attributes of natural and cultural heritage. As a result of study along with the mapping of these sacred groves, this research identifies tangible, intangible elements associated with groves and the various aspects of continuation of cultural traditions. It is observed that there is very strong relation of nature and culture which is evident in case of Kudase village settlement. Research further tries to identify issues related to the site and discusses future challenges and directions.