Central National Herbarium, Kolkata: A Dialogue Ecological Research in West Bengal  A herbarium is a scientific collection of preserved plant specimens, typically dried, pressed, and mounted on paper sheets, serving as a library of plant diversity for research, identification, and characteristics. The foundation of modern plant taxonomy in India was laid by the establishment of a large herbarium in 1795 by William Toxburu, and it is presently known as the Central National Herbarium in Kolkata. It is the oldest and largest in India and one of the most significant in Asia, with 2.5 million herbarium sheets of 350 families of plants. The Dutch and the English have recognised this rich knowledge in India long before. During our visits to the Central National Herbarium, we could catch a glimpse of these specimens, neatly filed and kept in cabinets, one after another. The image shown is the oldest herbarium specimen in the Central National Herbarium, dated 1696 A.D, collected by Dr Samuel Browne, a surgeon with the East India Company in Madras. This was collected on the way between Fort St. George and Trippetee (Tirupati, the famous temple town of southern India). Madras is written on a small sticky strip used for specimens and was named Cyperus filicinus e Madraspatan (Madras), and is now housed in Kolkata. The early efforts of specimen preservation were primarily driven by medicinal and economic interests. In our quest to reflect on local biodiversity across India, A Dialogue is glad to join Raw Mango in celebrating this rich tapestry of culture, art, and conversations, and the opening of their store in Kolkata. #bengal #herberium #traditionalecologicalknowledge #rawmangokolkata #adialogue