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The word Godwad (pronounced as goad – waad) in local
language literally translates to “area in the foothills”…..The hills
locally are called”Mangras” & the natives-when asked about their
home or location, promptly say:” Mangra re god (pronounced as goad)
me” meaning: “in the foothills”.
So , for this very reason, the foothills of the
Aravalis in South Rajasthan comprising of Pali & Sirohi districts
are generally referred to as - “Godwad”. Apart from being a very
rich bio – diversity zone, it is also one of the most culturally
rich areas of Rajasthan state. We would gladly say that like its
motherland India- Godwad too is a rich example of “unity in
diversity”.
Examples such as The Evasive Leopard crouching its way
through the bushes hoping to pounce upon its prey, a lovely
Demoiselle Crane standing on one leg doing the yoga posture in
pristine waters around various water bodies, a shepherd from the
maverick “Raika” community meandering his flock of sheep or a farmer
busy with his daily business – all of these in the vicinity. The co
– existence of Man & Nature has been an example from ages & the
region of Godwad is still one of the finest examples of it.
The “Aravalis” is one of the oldest mountain ranges
known to Mankind. Godwad region too exists under the patronage of
this very mountain range which has nurtured this region & its
natives with motherly care and affection. But Godwad, as the child
of mother Aravali, is slightly different from some other regions of
Aravalis. It’s a very diverse area climatically but has always been
a potent place for agriculture & animal grazing. Though it might
have a hostile terrain but also is home to many species of Flora &
Fauna. The rocky hills around this region are outcrops of Granite
which also provide a perfect hideaway for the evasive leopard.
The Leopards have lost their territory to ever
increasing pressure of human demands from the nature. This beautiful
creature is under enormous pressure of losing its territory forever.
Keeping this in mind, the government declared this region as a
Leopard conservation zone. After this protection, the density has
increased and so have the chances to sight the Leopard in its
natural surroundings.
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