• Dr. Sengsime A. Sangma

This research paper is based on the traditional knowledge system and practices of the Garos of with special reference to its relation with land resources and sustainability. A‧song Kosi or A‧song Raka is a sacred placed reserved by the A‧king Nokma for the purpose of conserving bio-diversity. A‧king Nokma is the Village Chief who ruled in the erstwhile polities and looks after the villages. The Nokma under his Nokmaship has the power to declare and reserve one of the lands as A‧song Kosi. A‧song Kosi is a traditional knowledge system of the Garos which believes in the existence of a forest god called Abetpa Ranggapa. This god is said to protect the land and also maintains prohibition of entry of people or animals to the sacred place. As such, whoever enters the sacred forest illegally was punished and it is feared that trespassing would bring negative impact on the person’s life such as untimely death. Kosi Ro‧ong or Kosi stones were placed to demarcate the sacred site and it is named as A‧song Kosi. This practice and knowledge has been handed down from generation to generation in many villages in Garo Hills. From time immemorial, this system has helped in conservation of flora and fauna in the Garo Hills. At present, A.song Kosi is preserve in the Nokrek Biosphere reserve. It is famous for the diverse ecosystem and biodiversity. Garos belief in after life and when a man dies, his soul remains, because the soul is immortal and returns to the creator Tatara Rabuga, who lives in the land of spirit known as Balpakram which is now a National Park. It is the home of many flora and fauna. The flora includes the medicinal plants used by the Garos to treat various illnesses. Therefore, this paper seeks to study the traditional knowledge system of the Garos in Meghalaya and how their religious beliefs have helped to conserve the natural resources including biodiversity reserves of the state. It will also deal with the sustainable use of medicinal plants which are part and parcel of these sacred natural sites.

A‧song Tata, A‧king Nokma, Nokrek, Balpakram.

"TRADITIONAL PRACTICES OF THE GARO", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no.b847-b852, October-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610188.pdf

"TRADITIONAL PRACTICES OF THE GARO", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no. ppb847-b852, October-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610188.pdf