Question

What is ‘Devrai’?
A) Sacred Grove
B) Woodlands
C) Coastal area
D) Sea Caves

Answer 1

Hint: It is a small group of trees with minimal overgrowth and are of special religious importance throughout the world. They are scattered all over India and are protected by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Complete answer:
Let us analyze the given options:
Option A: Sacred groves are groups of trees that feature in various cultures and are of religious importance. They are known as 'Devrai' which means God's Forest. Present in a wide range of places like the forests in the Thar desert and in Kerala, there are around 14000 sacred groves present in India. The ongoing over-exploitation of resources and urbanisation is a constant threat to them. This option is correct.
Option B: Woodlands is simply land covered in trees and are a bit more open than forests. In North America, the term woodlot is closely related to woodlands which refers to a group of trees that are used for firewood and have closed canopies. Efforts by conservationists have been made to preserve them. This option is incorrect
Option C: Coastal area, seashore or coastline is the place where the land meets the ocean or forms the boundary between them. They are home to a wide range of biodiversity and provide habitats to aquatic species. The total length of the Indian coastline is around 7500 km and touches 9 states and 2 Union territories. This option is incorrect.
Option D: Sea caves are the caves formed by the action of waves in the seas or oceans. Formed by the process of erosion they are found throughout the world. They can collapse sometimes leaving a littoral sinkhole such as the Devil's Punchbowl in Oregon. This option is incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is option (A). Sacred groves are also known as 'Devrai'.

Note: While many of the sacred groves in India are seen as the place where the Hindu gods reside, many of them are getting cleared for the construction of temples. NGOs work with local villagers and tribes to save them.