Researchers found that descriptions of thorny trees and open grasslands match today’s savannas. These texts were written as far back as the 1200s. Consequently, this suggests these landscapes are ancient and natural. They are not ruined forests as previously believed.
This discovery could reshape how we plan conservation and tree-planting efforts. In the oldest known Marathi writing, a 13th-century leader named Cakradhara points to an acacia tree. He used the tree as a symbol of death and rebirth. Today, his words have taken on a new scientific significance.
Rethinking the History of Grasslands
Savannas and grasslands cover nearly 10% of India. Globally, they make up more than one-third of Earth’s land surface. For decades, many scientists assumed these were once forests. They believed human activity had cleared or degraded the land.
This belief shaped conservation strategies for years. Many plans focused on large-scale tree planting in these areas. However, new research suggests a different story. Historical literature indicates that tropical grasslands are long-standing ecosystems. This distinction is vital for deciding where reforestation should occur.
Using Stories as Scientific Evidence
A study in the journal People and Nature examined historical narratives from western India. Scientists wanted to reconstruct what vegetation existed in the past. They found that descriptions from hundreds of years ago closely match today’s landscape.
Author Ashish Nerlekar noted how little things have changed over centuries. The idea for the study began with casual conversations between different researchers. Digvijay Patil, an archaeology student, noticed repeated mentions of unusual plants in ancient texts. Nerlekar, a plant scientist, recognised these as species still common in savannas.
Mapping Plants From Folk Songs
The research team reviewed folk songs, poems, and myths written in Marathi. Much of this material is not stored in modern databases. Therefore, it remains an untapped source of ecological information.
Many of these works are set in Maharashtra. Currently, the region has roughly 37,485 square kilometres of open grasslands. This area is about two-thirds the size of Lake Michigan. Researchers argue that these areas are frequently misunderstood by policymakers.
Q&A: Literature and Ecology
How do ancient songs help scientists?
Folk songs and poems provide descriptions of plants and landscapes from centuries ago. This helps researchers see what the land looked like before modern changes.
What is the “ruined forest” myth?
It is the mistaken belief that all grasslands were once forests degraded by humans. Scientists now see many grasslands as natural, ancient ecosystems.
Who is Cakradhara?
He was a 13th-century religious leader who wrote in Marathi. His descriptions of acacia trees provide evidence of ancient savanna landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What percentage of India is covered by savannas?
Savannas and grasslands cover nearly 10% of India’s land.
Why does this research matter for tree planting? It shows that planting trees in natural grasslands may not be the best conservation strategy. These areas are already healthy ecosystems.
Which language provided the oldest writing for this study? The researchers used the oldest known writing in Marathi.
Are these grasslands a result of human activity? No, the evidence suggests they are ancient and natural landscapes.
Which journal published this study? The study appeared in the British Ecological Society journal People and Nature
