Context:
Sikki artisans suffer livelihood losses amid climate change & state apathy.
Sikki Grass:
- Known as ‘Golden Grass’ for its colour
- Received a GI tag in 2018
- Finds mention in ancient Sanskrit texts (Ramayana) as viran, sugandhimool, ushir and nalad.
- Indigenously grown in – Tarai regions (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar)
- Average height – 3-4 feet.
- Uses – artefact, perfumery and medicinal purposes, handicraft etc.
- Sikki vermillion boxes – dowry to brides in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.
- Importance –grown to arrest soil erosion in hilly terrains
Dahardi is a term referred to as daily wagers in Bihar and Uttarakhand regions
Source: Down To Earth
Previous Year Question
With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (c)
Explanation
The statement 3 is not correct:
It is a rare species and not commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.
