Naming
Flame of the ForestBastard Teak, Parrot Tree , Chichra tesu, desuka jhad, dhaak, palaash, chalcha, kankrei , PaLaash , Palashpapra , Muthuga , Kinshuk, Polash, Polashi , Pauk , Polash in Assamese, Porasum, Parasu , Muriku, Shamata , Modugu , Khakda , Kela , Ploso , Palash
In Sanskrit also the flower is extensively used as a symbol of the arrival of spring and the colour of love. Jayadeva in the Gita Govindam compares these blossoms to the red nails of Kamadeva or Cupid, with which he wounds the hearts of lovers. The imagery is all the more appropriate as the blossoms are compared to a net of kimsuka flowers. In a completely leafless tree, the blossoms look like a net.
मृगमदसौरभरभसवशंवदनवदलमालतमाले।
युवजनहृदयविदारणमनसिजनखरुचिकिंशुकजाले॥
The above stanza is translated here by Barbara Stoller Miller, for Kimsuka blossoms, she uses the common name "Flame tree petals":
Tamala tree's fresh leaves absorb strong scent of deer musk.
Flame tree petals, shining nails of love, tear at young hearts.
Evolution
Historically, dhak forests covered much of the doab area between the Ganges and Yamuna, but these were cleared for agriculture in the early 19th century as the English East India Company increased tax demands on the peasants.References:
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