This book is a simple-to-read manual providing wealth of information on the utilization of 126 trees, 106 shrubs, 11 undershrubs, 47 climbers (Adhesive-3spp; Beverage-3 spp; Brush-1 sp; Detergent-6 spp; Dye-13 spp; Eyeliner-1 sp; Fibre-13 spp; Fish poison-1 spp; Fodder-67 spp; Fruits- 74 spp; Fuel-30 spp; Human Ailments-211 spp; Illuminants-1 sp; Incense-3 spp; Ink-2 spp; Local wine (sur)-15 spp; Magico-religious – 42 spp; Perfumery-3 spp; Repellent- 7 spp; Veterinary Ailments-13 spp; etc.) by the indigenous people inhabiting more than 384 villages of Jogindernagar tehsil-a region of Himalaya significantly rich in flora embodying an ancient heritage endemism and cultural diversity. To gain an overview of this region, detailed information on various aspects of the land, people and its rich cultural heritage is also provided. Over 295 photographs contained in 75 plates, 6 figures, 11 tables and 3 useful appendices enhance the value of this book significantly. It is, therefore, a vital reference source to students and scholars of ethnobotany, researchers and scientists in traditional and agricultural universities, plant breeding, plant genetic research institutions, policy makers, conservation organizations, pharmacology, and a must for scientific and university libraries.
Dr S.K. Sood is Professor and Dean Life Sciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. He obtained his M.Sc. (1974) and M.Phil. (1976) from Himachal Pradesh University and Ph.D. (1981) from Nagarjuna University, Guntur, specializing in Plant Systematics and Embryology. For his post-doctoral, he underwent specialized training in Ethnobotany. He has had a brilliant academic career (triple gold medallist) followed by over 25 years of teaching and conducting research in Botany at postgraduate as well as research levels. Dr Sood has guided about 20 M.Phil. and 12 Ph.D. students and published numerous research papers in various national and international journals, and authored more than 15 books on various titles related to ethnobotany. He has attended and participated in many seminars, workshops and conferences. He is also associated with many educational and research bodies in India and abroad. His current major interests are in the theory and practice of systematics, flora of North-West Himalaya, ethnic tribes and conservation research.
Dr. Sanjay K. Sharma obtained his Ph. D. (2006) from Shimla, specialising in Ethnobotany. At present, he is working as a lecturer.
Dr. Neelam Kumar obtained his Ph. D. (1998) from Shimla, specialising in Morphology. At present, he is working as a lecturer.
Dr. Harish Kumar obtained his Ph. D. from Shimla. At present, he is working as a lecturer.
