In which regions of India are sacred groves typically found?

The correct answer is Option (4) → Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh

India has a long tradition of protecting nature through religion and culture. In many cultures, tracts of forest were set aside, and all the trees and wildlife in them were given total protection. These sacred groves are found in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, the Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra, and the Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh.

Option (1) Jaintia Hills of Karnataka — Incorrect. The Jaintia Hills are in Meghalaya, not Karnataka. In Meghalaya the sacred groves are the last refuges for many rare and threatened plants.

Option (2) Western Ghat regions of Tamil Nadu — Incorrect. NCERT names the Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra, not Tamil Nadu.

Option (3) Aravalli Hills of Meghalaya — Incorrect. The Aravalli Hills are in Rajasthan, not Meghalaya.

Option (4) Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh — Correct. The Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh have sacred groves, as NCERT states.

NCERT Extract:
How do we Conserve Biodiversity? – “… India has also a history of religious and cultural traditions that emphasised protection of nature. In many cultures, tracts of forest were set aside, and all the trees and wildlife within were venerated and given total protection. Such sacred groves are found in Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra and the Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh. In Meghalaya, the sacred groves are the last refuges for a large number of rare and threatened plants.”