The Contribution of Karnataka’s Traditional Knowledge to Contemporary Sustainable Practices: The Case of Soligas

Abstract

Traditional knowledge has been increasingly recognized as an invaluable resource for sustainable development, particularly in regions with a rich cultural heritage. Karnataka, a state in southern India, exemplifies this intersection of culture and ecology, as it is home to diverse indigenous communities whose traditional knowledge systems significantly contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Among these communities, the Soligas stand out for their holistic understanding of the forest ecosystem, sustainable livelihoods, and conservation ethics. This study delves into the role of traditional knowledge in modern sustainable practices, using the Soligas as a case study to highlight their contributions and challenges. Residing in the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, the Soligas practice rotational harvesting, sustainable agriculture, and the use of medicinal plants-all rooted in an intricate knowledge of their environment. These practices align with contemporary sustainability paradigms, such as resource efficiency, ecological resilience, and biodiversity conservation. However, the community faces challenges, including policy restrictions, knowledge erosion, and socio-economic pressures, which threaten the continuity of their traditions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research integrates focus group discussions, and secondary data analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the Soliga’s traditional practices can inform and enhance modern sustainability initiatives. The findings underscore the critical need to integrate indigenous knowledge into policy frameworks and conservation strategies, ensuring both ecological integrity and cultural survival. By bridging traditional wisdom and modern methodologies, this study contributes to the discourse on sustainable development in the context of indigenous communities and their invaluable knowledge systems.