title: Ethnobotany, traditional knowledge and socioeconomic importance of native drink among the Oraon tribe of Malda district in India.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Preparation of daily traditional drink by the indigenous tribes is a common phenomenon in India. Oraon tribes in Malda district of West Bengal, India are very much practiced in making of their own native brew, known as Chullu. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the whole Chullu procedure technology of the region and its socioeconomic effect on Oraon. Ethnomedicinal investigation of local plants involved in Chullu preparation was another aspect of this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study was conducted from April 2012 to June 2013. Consecutive field surveys were performed to collect information from Chullu producers to focus the procedure technology of local brew by means of semi-structured individual interviews, informal interviews and group discussion. A semi-structured questionnaire process was also performed to obtain the information regarding the ethnic use of plant species involved in Chullu preparation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The present study revealed that four medicinal plant species along with rice having strong local ethnomedicinal value were used to prepare this indigenous drink. Oraon prepare the brew using their unique home-made distillation process. Commercialization of this local brew represents an alternative income to develop their economic condition, especially for poor households. The index of importance value was considered to evaluate the importance, usage, and knowledge of the five studied species.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It could be concluded that practices of Chullu preparation represent a bonding between ethnic knowledge and Oraon people of the province. Commercialization of Chullu may be considered as a source of alternative way of income for poor households in the region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, West Bengal, India.
authors.forename: Manas Ranjan
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Saha
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, West Bengal, India.
authors.forename: Ritu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rai
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, West Bengal, India.
authors.forename: Pallab
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kar
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, West Bengal, India.
authors.forename: Arnab
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sen
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, Raiganj College (University College), University of North Bengal, Raiganj, West Bengal, India.
authors.forename: Dilip De
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Sarker
keywords: Alternative income; Chullu; Malda district; Oraon; ethnobotany