Insect in Human Life: An Account of Red Ant (Hau) Utilization among the Birhor of Jharkhand

Insects are the most prevalent terrestrial life form, but social scientists have generally shown little interest in studying insect-human interaction. However, in recent years, as enthnobiology and cultural entomology have grown as sub-disciplines, interest in studying insect-human interactions has increased. As a result, researchers have been looking at how insects have influenced human societies' cultural lives in terms of literature, mythology, music, art, religion, folklore, and recreation, in addition to their practical applications as food or medicine. The present study is an endeavour to document the multifarious usage of red ants in the Birhor community of Jharkhand. This article is based on data generated from more than four months of fieldwork in the Birhor community of Jharkhand to understand the relevance of red ants in their lives and livelihoods. In order to document the different resources available in the area and related knowledge, as well as to identify the role of those resources in livelihood and survival in hostile situations, a case study was carried out in a small village named Paharsingh located in the Angara Block of Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. The study concludes that ethnoentomological studies have the potential to increase public understanding of the significance of insects in both human communities and ecosystems. Researchers appreciation of insects and their significance in maintaining life on Earth can be fostered by recording traditional knowledge and disseminating it to larger audiences.