Correct option is A
The Mahua tree (Madhuca indica, Madhuca longifolia) is an important plant for indigenous communities of Central India, especially in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The flowers of Mahua are fermented to produce a traditional alcoholic drink known as Mahua liquor, which is widely consumed by tribal populations.
Mahua is Used for Intoxicant Production:
- Mahua flowers are rich in fermentable sugars, making them ideal for alcoholic fermentation.
- The liquor is produced using traditional distillation techniques.
- It plays a cultural and economic role in tribal societies.
Uses of Mahua Flowers:
- Fermented to produce Mahua liquor – a widely consumed traditional alcoholic beverage.
- Used as a sweetener in tribal foods.
- Medicinal uses – Treating skin diseases, respiratory issues, and fatigue.
- Dried flowers used as cattle fodder.
Additional Information
Option (2) Monkey-Puzzle Tree (Araucaria spp.) (Incorrect)
- A gymnosperm native to South America.
- Not used for intoxicant production.
Option (3) Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) (Incorrect)
- Some Rhododendron species (e.g., R. arboreum) produce fermented drinks in Himalayan regions, but not in Central India.
Option (4) Elephant Grass (Pennisetum spp.) (Incorrect)
- Mainly used for fodder and biofuel production, not for making intoxicants.
