West Bengal Research Articles

Shaping the status of indigenous languages through policy: Kurukh in Bengal

ABSTRACT Imposed political boundaries have an enormous impact on language communities. In this paper, we explore the status of an indigenous language in a region that has a long, shared history and culture. Focusing on two areas across a political border, i.e. Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, this paper examines the major language policies and practices of the two regions in relation to Kurukh and compares the use of Kurukh with references to the policies across the border. Data was collected from six groups of Kurukh-speaking adult community members based in Rangpur (Bangladesh) and Alipurduar, West Bengal (India) which was analysed using the themes of ‘profit’ and ‘pride’ associated with Kurukh. The study revealed commonalities in the two contexts as well as identified important sociolinguistic differences that are likely to determine the trajectory of Kurukh. Informed by the data emerging from the study, we propose some policy recommendations that are feasible and can be useful in protecting the Kurukh language and culture in Bangladesh and India.

Historical Study on Religious Influence on Social Structures in West Bengal

West Bengal, with its diverse religious traditions, has experienced significant socio-cultural transformations influenced by religious practices and institutions. This study examines how religion has historically shaped social structures, including caste dynamics, economic systems, gender roles, and political alignments. By analyzing historical records, sociological theories, and ethnographic accounts, the study explores the interplay between religion and social hierarchy in the region. The findings reveal that religious beliefs have played a dual role—both as instruments of social cohesion and as catalysts for conflict and reform. The study highlights the ongoing relevance of religion in shaping West Bengal’s social fabric

Molecular Identification of Onchocerciasis Vectors (Diptera: Simuliidae) from the Central Himalayan Landscape of India: A DNA Barcode Approach.

Background: Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are a notorious group of blood-sucking insects acting as vectors of various diseases in humans and other animals, most notable being Onchocerciasis. Due to its medical and veterinary significance, accurate and quick species identification is of utmost importance in the field of black fly research. DNA barcoding is one such taxonomic tool, aiding in quick and efficient species identification using molecular methods. Despite sporadic reports of ocular and cutaneous Onchocerciasis, especially from North-East India, Indian Simuliidae has been understudied due to lack of expertise on morphological taxonomy and lack of genetic library. Materials and Methods: Blackflies were collected from eight distinct locations in the Central Himalayan region that are part of the West Bengal, India, districts of Kalimpong and Darjeeling. Various traps were used to collect the specimens, and they were kept it in 70% ethyl alcohol. Following the morphological identification of each fly specimen, genomic DNA was extracted from its dissected legs using the QIAmp DNA extraction kit (QIAGEN, Germany). The voucher specimen slide was deposited in the National Zoological collection, ZSI, Kolkata, India. Results: This is the first comprehensive DNA barcoding study of black flies (Feuerborni and Multistriatum species group) using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences along with morphological identification from the Central Himalayan region of West Bengal involving four species: Simulium dentatum, Simulium digitatum, Simulium praelargum, and Simulium senile. DNA barcode approach through ML tree clearly distinguished all the species with supporting PTP, ASAP, and GMYC analysis. Interspecific genetic distances were also calculated where S. dentatum and S. digitatum showed minimum distances in the study area. Conclusion: Coupled with a robust morpho-taxonomic framework, the DNA barcodes generated here will help with accurate species identification, which will lead to better management and control strategies for these harmful vector species at the study site.

Elder abuse in rural India: uncovering the interplay between functional impairment and ethnicity

ABSTRACT The present study attempted to examine the association of functional limitations and elder abuse among the tribal and non-tribal ethnic groups in West Bengal, India, from a comparative framework. The study revealed that tribal older adults (20%) were in a better position in the field of abuse since they were less abused compared to their non-tribal counterpart (44.5%). Substantially, 58.1% of older people with functional impairment were victims of abuse. Furthermore, non-tribal older adults were 0.07 times more likely to suffer from abuse (AOR: 0.07; CI: 0.02–0.21) than their counterparts. Similarly, functionally dependent respondents had a higher risk of being abused. Non-tribal older adults with functional impairments had higher odds to suffer from abuse compared to tribal older adults with no functional impairments. However, being widowed and having no formal education and with education up to upper primary level were also found to be significant predictors of mistreatment among older adults.

Preferred Learning Styles and Perception Regarding Present Curriculum among MBBS Students of a Peripheral Medical College in West Bengal, India

Background: Learning style of an individual refers to the method through which one learns the best. There has been a paradigm shift in medical education in recent years. Objectives: To identify preferred learning styles among MBBS students of a tertiary Medical College in West Bengal, India and to assess their perception regarding present curriculum. Methodology: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate medical students of Bankura Sammilani Medical College using VARK questionnaire (version 8.01) to identify preferred learning styles of the students. The questionnaire also included a set of 11 items to assess the perception of students about the present curriculum system using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: Majority (83.5%) of the students preferred a single mode of learning (unimodal) style. The most preferred unimodal style of learning was Kinesthetic (44.7%). Most of the students agreed that the current method of teaching was satisfactory. Conclusions: Exploring different learning styles could potentially be used in the curriculum so that instructors could plan appropriate teaching learning method according to their learning needs. New medical curriculum was reported as satisfactory by the students.

Understanding the Therapeutic Potential of Smilax perfoliata and Elsholtzia griffithii Through GC-MS Analysis, Antimicrobial Assay and Molecular Docking.

Herbalism, rooted in traditional knowledge and regional practices, leverages plants as medicinal resources. India, with its vast biodiversity, harbors numerous untapped medicinal plants. This study focuses on the bioprospecting of two underexplored wild medicinal plants, Elsholtzia griffithii from Manipur and Smilax perfoliata from West Bengal, aiming to document their medicinal potential. We characterized metabolites in their crude methanolic extracts and explored their resistance to bacterial infections. Utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, 17 significant chemical compounds are identified, exhibiting physiological and pharmacological importance. Conducting disc-diffusion assays against E. coli, both plant extracts demonstrate antibacterial activity. Crude methanolic extracts of Smilax perfoliata and Elsholtzia griffithii showed a zone of inhibition of approximately 13mm and 4mm respectively. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to evaluate the binding energy of the compounds to the E. coli receptors, DNA GyrB, and FabH and identify the receptor-ligand interactions. Among them, 4-Dehydroxy-N-(4,5-methylenedioxy-2-nitrobenzylidene) tyramine and Phthalic acid, dodecyl 2-methoxyethyl ester from Smilax perfoliata, and p-(dimethyl amino) benzaldehyde pyridine-4-carbonyl hydrazone from Elsholzia griffithii exhibit lower binding energy. The interactions between these 3 compounds and the receptors consisted of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Thus, it underscores the potential of compounds derived from these plants as inhibitors against gram-negative bacteria. Thus, our study unveils the ethnomedicinal properties of these wild plants, providing a comprehensive metabolite profile and paving the way for potential drug discovery.

Prevalence of Gestational Auto-immune Thyroid Dysfunction and its Association with Anaemia In A Rural District Of West Bengal

Background: Maternal thyroid dysfunction is associated with risk of obstetric complications and also heralding the risk of abnormal fetal neuro-development. The prevalence and type of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy varies widely according to ethnicity, demographic and geographical location. Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy may be associated with autoimmune component too. Anaemia in pregnancy may aggravate with thyroid dysfunction in comparison to euthyroid pregnant subjects. Some epidemiological studies suggested that Iron deficiency anemia may be related to autoimmune thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in different trimesters of pregnancy, the association with anemia in pregnancy and whether autoimmunity plays a role in development of thyroid disorder. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 1 year in the department of Biochemistry of Bankura Sammilani Medical College. Antenatal mothers attending the antenatal OPD in different trimester were selected depending on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood samples were collected for estimation of serum TSH, Free T4, haemoglobin, haematocrit, RBC indices. Serum anti-TPO antibody was estimated only in patients with altered thyroid hormone concentration. Results of the study was compiled, tabulated and analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: 326 pregnant mothers were included as study participants among which 164 were in first trimester and 162 were in second trimester.The prevalence of hypothyroidism among pregnant women was found to be 46.3 % whereas only 1.8% were hyperthyroid.93.3% of the hypothyroid pregnant women had sub-clinical hypothyroidism and the remaining had overt hypothyroidism. 8 subjects out of the total 157 patients with deranged thyroid function were found to be anti-TPO positive. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among hypothyroid mothers were 36.4% in comparison to 33.1 % in non-hypothyroid mothers. Conclusion: Screening of thyroid function status in various stages of gestation is essential because of the high prevalence of hypothyroidism among pregnant women. Estimation of serum anti TPO antibody should be done in all thyroid dysfunctions. Thyroid disorders in pregnancy may be associated with increased severity of iron deficiency anaemia.

A study on abortion care services in different tiers of rural health care in Malda district of West Bengal, India

Objective: To assess comprehensive abortion care (CAC) services uptake and barriers to it in selected representative units of the three tier health care in the district of Malda in West Bengal, India. Methods: We conducted community-based, concurrent, parallel mixed methods study. Quantitative assessment of knowledge of primary health care workers on CAC and appropriate infrastructure assessment was done. Qualitative methods were used to identify themes affecting uptake of quality care among stakeholders. Results: A total of 48 staff nurses and 133 auxiliary nurses and midwives were included in the study. About half of nurses (of total 48) who were second tier health care provider and two thirds (of total 133) of first tier health care provider had incorrect knowledge about legality of abortion. Only 40% mothers seeking abortion were accompanied to subcentre by primary health care worker. At the third tier health care site, physicians insisted on necessity of refresher training. Suboptimal uptake of available CAC services was due to lack of enabling environment. Lack of updated training across health care workers was observed. Conclusions: Health care providers at the community level were unaware of facilities available for mothers seeking abortion. Higher level health care providers were unsure of specific knowledge about legal permissibility and sterilization of apparatus for abortion. At the highest level, more training on medical methods of abortion was required. The problems identified are amenable to correction, and some administrative and service-related provision on appropriate measures may lead to immediate success.

Comparative efficacy of different doses of inducing agent on breeding performance of a near threatened catfish pabda (Ompok bimaculatus Bloch, 1794) in West Bengal, India

In India, diversification in shrimp culture area is required due to climate changes, fluctuation in resources, and its marginal profit. Near Threatened pabda (Ompok bimaculatus) may be an alternative aquaculture species which can fulfil all the demands for the shrimp farmers. In this study, healthy, disease-free, 12-month reared brood fishes were collected and stocked in eight tanks (8×4×2 feet) sex wise (130 pairs) with shower facilities. Synthetic hormone was used to induce both male and female fishes at 0.3 and 0.6 ml (T1); 0.5 and 0.7 ml (T2) and 0.7 and 0.8 ml (T3) kg-1 body weight (bw) respectively, having 3 replicates for each treatment. Ovulation period (7 to 11 hours), relative fecundity (105.20±39.93 eggs g–1 bw of female), fertilization rates (67.37±20.73 to 75.88±24.84%), hatching rates (62.57±18.46 to 79.67±26.68%) and survival rates (55.01±14.93 to 65.62±19.91%) were observed. Among treatments, T2 exhibited better breeding performance but no significant differences with other treatments were observed. Important water quality parameters like temperature (28.27±1.68°C), pH (7.10±0.44), dissolved oxygen (4.25±0.37 mg L–1), hardness (210.96±9.31 mg L–1) and alkalinity (202.78±8.00 mg L–1) were also recorded during this experiment. After 48 hours of hatching, hatchlings were reared in aerated tanks for another four days with close observation and fries were harvested 24 days of rearing. From the present experiment, T2 exhibited best effective dose for successful induced breeding of pabda.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdowns on Sex Workers in West Bengal, India

Abstract India’s COVID-19 lockdowns were among the strictest globally, and sex workers were uniquely impacted. Extremely limited literature has examined pandemic consequences on sex workers. We use a qualitative approach to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on the lives and livelihoods of sex workers in urban West Bengal, India. Cisgender female and male, and transgender female sex workers (N = 40) participated in individual in-depth interviews. Interviews were coded using inductive thematic coding. Nine themes arose from the data: (1) COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, (2) Social isolation, (3) Lack of customers, (4) Financial stress, (5) Decreased negotiating power, (6) Food insecurity, (7) Receiving support, (8) Providing support, and (9) Mental health. We propose a Gendered Stress Proliferation Model incorporating Pearlin et al.’s 1997 conceptualization of stress proliferation and Swendeman, Fehrenbacher et al.’s 2018 gendered stress process model. In this model, primary stressors of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns proliferated into secondary stressors across multiple domains (social isolation, lack of customers, financial stress, food insecurity, reliance on support, decreased negotiating power). All of these pathways were shaped by pre-existing vulnerabilities and systems of intersectional marginalization. These stressors had significant mental health impacts including feelings of depression and anxiety. Food insecurity has implications for physical health outcomes, and financial stress coupled with decreased negotiating power has implications for sexual health, potentially placing sex workers at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Gendered Stress Proliferation may be a useful framework to examine how marginalized populations uniquely experience population-level crises.

Knowledge Level and Extent of Adoption of Scientific Fish Farming Practices among Members of Fish Farmers Producer Organizations

Background: The study focuses on understanding the factors that influence the knowledge level and adoption of scientific fish farming practices by the members of Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) because they play a crucial role in the fish farming sector and have the potential to drive the adoption of scientific practices. Methods: The research was conducted in Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, in 2023. From four FFPOs, total 120 respondents were chosen as sample using simple random sampling. Primary data were collected through pretested structured interview schedule. Knowledge index and adoption quotient were measured to categorize the responses of the respondents. Stepwise liner regression is done for a definite conclusion. Result: The study found that most respondents were middle-aged (68.33%), with educational attainment up to the secondary level (31.66%) and had moderate farming experience (55%). Approximately 40% of the respondents reported high utilization of information sources and highest portion attended three to four training sessions (45.83%). Regarding the level of knowledge in recommended scientific fish farming, 38.33% of the respondents fell into the medium category, followed by 34.17% who possessed a high level of knowledge. Regarding the extent of adoption of fish farming practices, 36.67% respondents reported a medium level of adoption, followed by a high level (32.5%). Furthermore, the study found that utilization of information sources (t = 4.595), risk orientation (t = 3.165) and training attended (t = 2.606) were the strongest positive predictors of respondents’ knowledge levels (1% sig. level). Regarding the extent of adoption, the source of information utilization (t = 9.203), scientific orientation (t = 4.861) and education (t = 3.085) were the strongest positive predictors (1% sig. level).

Morpho-biochemical and bioactive compound diversity assessment of pomelo [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck] accessions under semi-arid lateritic belt of West Bengal, India

Morpho-biochemical and bioactive compound diversity assessment of pomelo [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck] accessions under semi-arid lateritic belt of West Bengal, India

From challenges to opportunities: uncovering spatial patterns and key determinants of sustainable livelihood development in rural West Bengal

From challenges to opportunities: uncovering spatial patterns and key determinants of sustainable livelihood development in rural West Bengal

Unveiling genetic variability and cause-effect relationships of morphological traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes in the Terai agro-climatic zone of West Bengal

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an essential staple food crop for billions of people worldwide. Understanding genetic variability is essential for breeding programs targeting yield and resilience. This study assessed 52 rice genotypes across two kharif seasons (2021–23) in West Bengal's Terai zone. Key traits were evaluated using a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Key characteristics such as plant height (PH), days to 50 % flowering (DFF), number of effective tillers per plant (NETP), panicle length (PL), number of grains per panicle (NGPP),1000–grain weight (TGW), grain yield per plant (GY_P), and harvest index (HI) were assessed. Statistical analysis revealed significant variability among genotypes. Among the traits, GY_P exhibited the highest genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV). Additionally, PH, NETP, NGPP, TGW, HI and GY_P exhibited high heritability and genetic advancement, highlighting their potential for selection. Path coefficient analysis identified HI and NGPP as the most influential traits that directly and positively affected GY_P. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) attributed 78.61 % of the total variation to four principal components, highlighting HI, GY_P, NGPP and PL as major contributors to genetic diversity. Genotypes such as Piolee, Motia Saru, and Dhan Sali exhibited superior performance for specific traits, making them potential candidates for future breeding programs. These findings emphasize the potential of exploiting genetic variability in rice to develop high–yielding, regionally adapted varieties, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in the Terai region.

Women Empowerment through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) In India

Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has very important place in the progress of entrepreneurial endeavors in the form of business improvements. The MSMEs are reaching through sectors of the economy by fabricating different varieties of goods and services and in this way, it is meeting the demand for domestic as well as global markers. This study aims to examine the contribution of MSMEs to empower women by employing in India. Further, it also takes into account the challenges faced by women in MSMEs. It also examines different offers and benefits provided by the Ministry of MSME to rural women in the MSMEs. In terms of women-owned enterprises Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh are the best performer in terms of total enterprises, employment, investment, and turnover but Kerala has very less enterprises and lower employment, investment and turnover when comparing with other states. Although the percentage share of women owned enterprises is relatively low but still women are taking the initiative to come in the MSMEs, which is quite impressive for women's empowerment. By comparing the major states, MSME is dominated by Females. Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are best performing states in terms of a number of MSME establishments. The females are more engaged in the rural areas while considering the MSMEs while male are dominating in urban areas.

Analysing the Effects of Indigenous Activity Intervention on the Aggressive Behaviour and Anxiety of School Children

This study investigates the impact of indigenous activity (IA) programs on aggressive tendencies among adolescents aged 12-14 in the Cooch Behar district, West Bengal, India. The study involved 120 participants, equally distributed between the experimental and control groups, with 60 subjects in each group. The experimental group underwent a 10-week IA training program, whereas the control group received no intervention. Aggression levels were assessed using the Aggression Questionnaire and Anxiety levels were assessed using the Manifest Anxiety Scale, and Anxiety levels were assessed using the Manifest Anxiety Scale before and after the intervention. The analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups across all aggression subcategories: Anger, physical aggression, hostility, and verbal aggression (p<0.05). Participants in the experimental group demonstrated more substantial reductions in aggressive behavior than those in the control group. The observed effect sizes ranged from small to moderate across different subcategories. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of a novel cognitive-behavioral intervention program designed to address both aggressive and anxious behaviors simultaneously. Findings suggest that integrated approaches targeting both aggression and anxiety may be more effective than single-focus interventions. This research contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between aggression and anxiety in children and offers insights for developing targeted interventions to promote emotional well-being and positive behavioral outcomes in educational settings.

Distribution and association of depression with tobacco consumption among middle-aged and elderly Indian population: nested multilevel modelling analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional survey

BackgroundResearch on the distribution and association of depression with tobacco consumption among young population is commonly prioritised in India, while studies on tobacco use among middle-aged (45–59 years) and elderly (≥ 60 years) adults are noticeably lacking. Thus, we conducted this study with the objectives of estimating the prevalence, distribution and determining the association of depression and tobacco consumption among middle-aged and elderly Indian population; overall and stratified into age group, gender, and geographical location.MethodsUsing dataset from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), a bivariate analysis was conducted among middle-aged (45–59 years) and elderly (≥ 60 years) Indians to estimate the prevalence of depression and tobacco consumption. States and Union Territories were categorised as low, medium, and high as per prevalence of depression and tobacco consumption, and spatial distribution maps were created. To reduce the confounding effects of demographic & socioeconomic and health-related & behavioural covariates; propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted. Nested multilevel regression modelling was employed to explore the association between depression (outcome variable) and tobacco consumption (explanatory variable) using STATA version 17. The p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOverall, 36.78% (36.03–37.55%) participants documented using any form of tobacco; with higher consumption of smokeless tobacco (SLT) (19.88%) than smoking (SM) (13.92%). The overall prevalence of depression was 7.62% irrespective of tobacco consumption, and 8.51% among participants consuming any form of tobacco. Mizoram had the highest consumption of tobacco in any form (78.21%), whereas Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest (14.62%) depression prevalence. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand had both high prevalence of depression and any form of tobacco consumption. The average estimated treatment effect (ATE) indicated a positive association both between depression and any form of tobacco consumption (p value = 0.001) and with smokeless tobacco (p value = 0.001) consumption. Participants ever consuming any form of tobacco had 28% higher odds (aOR-1.28 (1.18–1.38). The odds of having depression were higher among females (aOR = 1.28 (1.17–1.41); richest (aOR-1.48 (1.32–1.65); living alone (aOR = 1.14 (1.01–1.33). Participants with comorbidity (aOR = 1.20 (1.10–1.30) and multimorbidity (aOR = 1.24 (1.13–1.36)) had higher odds of depression.ConclusionThe study has established significant positive association between depression and tobacco consumption stratified into gender and age group. Prioritisation of mental health disorders like depression and tobacco prevention and cessation programmes must be implemented with focusing on females and the middle-aged population with community awareness and intersectoral collaborative effort irrespective of subnational-variations.

Role of Insect-Pollinated Flora in the Gurguripal Forest: A Study of Biodiversity, Forest Regeneration and Entomophilic Interactions

The Gurguripal Forest in West Medinipur, West Bengal, has experienced significant ecological transformation due to deforestation and overgrazing, leading to soil erosion and degradation in the early 1980s. Initially dominated by Shorea robusta (Sal) trees, the forest has gradually recovered through watershed management and afforestation efforts, such as gully modifications and earthen dam construction. This study investigates the role of insect-pollinated flora (entomophilic plants) in the biodiversity and regeneration of the Gurguripal Forest. Insect pollination plays a vital role in plant reproduction, fostering biodiversity and ecological stability. A multidisciplinary approach combining literature review and on-site botanical surveys was carried out to assess plant and insect diversity, and to explore the relationship between forest regeneration and entomophilic interactions. The study identifies dominant plant families such as Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Dipterocarpaceae which depend on insect pollinators. In conclusion, exuberant entomophilic flora exemplify the dynamic relationships between plants and insect pollinators which includes significant success in rejuvenating the degraded forests.

Exploring the variations and potential of carbon stock in the tropical dry deciduous forests of West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT Each pool of the forest ecosystem plays a significant role, as they are interconnected and store atmospheric carbon. Therefore, this study was designed to estimate the carbon stock in various carbon pools and evaluate the variation and potential of carbon stock in tropical dry deciduous forests. The random sampling method with nested square plots was designed for the field survey. The carbon stock in various pools was analysed across different canopy cover densities, as well as among tree species and tree diameter classes. The result shows that the total carbon stock was 143.900 ± 13.842 Mg ha⁻¹, and the maximum amount of carbon was stored in living biomass (77.490%), followed by SOC (21.144%), and dead organic matter (1.366%). The carbon stock in all pools decreased from dense forests to medium forests, and then to open forests. This is due to the positive effects of forest cover densities on the carbon stock of other pools. About 60% of the trees had a DBH between 5 and 10 cm and contained only 10% of the tree carbon stock. These findings indicate the potential to increase carbon stock in several pools in low-density forest cover areas without expanding forest cover, simply by transitioning open and medium forests to dense and mature forests. Even the high presence of young trees indicates the potential to increase carbon stock in the future through better management practices. However, the present study results can be helpful in determining the carbon stock and sequestration in other tropical deciduous forests.

Distribution and tritrophic associations of aphid parasitoids of tribes Ephedrini and Praini (Aphidiinae: Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in India

The members of tribes Ephedrini and Praini (Aphidiinae: Braconidae: Hymenoptera) are exclusively koinobiont aphid parasitoids. Both tribes are widely distributed and some species have been successfully used in biological control of the aphids worldwide. The Ephedrini comprises of 29 species and Praini consists of 16 species of parasitoids in India; parasitising 94 and 79 species in 11 and 13 states/union territories of India, respectively. Among the Ephedrini, Toxares deltiger and Ephedrus plagiator are highly polyphagous, parasitising 27 and 22 species of aphids infesting 28 and 52 host plants with 285 and 110 tritrophic associations, respectively. Among aphid species, Myzus persicae infests38 species of food plants in 8 states/union territories of India. It serves as a host for Ephedrini parasitoids followed by Aphis gossypii and Uroleucon sonchi, parasitised by 8 species each of Ephedrini on 17 and 4 species of host plants in 6 and 3 states/union territories of India, respectively. The Indian fauna of Praini includes only one genus, Praon, of which 5 species are endemic. Praon volucre is highly polyphagous, parasitises 21 species of aphids infesting 27 species of host plants followed by Praon abjectum (10 species of aphids, 13 species of host plants), Praon dorsale (9 species of aphids, 10 species of host plants), Praon orientale (5 species of aphids, 5 species of host plants), and others with 1-4 aphid hosts feeding on 1-4 species of host plants. Jammu &amp; Kashmir hosts a maximum of 11 species of Praon parasitising 34 species of aphids infesting 32 species of food plants followed by Meghalaya (7 species of parasitoids parasitising 20 species of aphids feeding on 18 species of food plants), Uttarakhand (6 species of parasitoids parasitising 8 species of aphids feeding on 6 species of food plants), West Bengal (5 species of parasitoids parasitising 11 species of aphids feeding on 11 species of food plants), Himachal Pradesh (5 species of parasitoids of 7 species of aphids feeding on 9 species of food plants) and other states 1-4 species of parasitoids, parasitising 1-6 species of aphids infesting 1-7 species of host plants. The parasitoids of both tribes are almost distributed in the northeast (Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and West Bengal) to the northwest (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Uttarakhand) India. Almost two-thirds of Ephedrini and Praini species are recorded in Meghalaya and Jammu &amp; Kashmir, respectively. A detailed tritrophic associations of different genera of Ephedrini and Praini are discussed.