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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Indigenous Knowledge of Health practices among the Tribes of Bastar Region of Chhattisgarh, India

presenters

    Sukrita Tirkey

    Nationality: India

    Residence: India

    Saheed Mahendrakarma Visvabidyalaya

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

    Piyusa Ranjan Sahoo

    Nationality: India

    Residence: Chhattisgarh

    Anthropological Survey of India

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

This paper offers an anthropological perspective on the indigenous knowledge of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) among tribal communities in the Bastar Region of Chhattisgarh, India. The study focuses on the tribes such as Madia (both Dandami and Abujh Madia or Hill Madia), Gonds, Bhatras, Halbas, Muria, Dhurwa, and Dorla indigenous people, who are the original inhabitants of the area. Its primary objective is to explore the indigenous knowledge and cultural practices of these tribes regarding the use of herbal plants for healthcare. The study advocates for integrating local knowledge into academic discourse as a means of empowering local communities and promoting community renewal (The Network Economy: Manuel Castells, 2000). Primary data was collected using anthropological tools and techniques such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, interview-cum-schedules, key informant interviews, and case study techniques. A total of 111 NTFP species, including 47 trees, 29 shrubs, 12 herbs, 21 climbers, and 1 bamboo species, were documented along with their local names, botanical names, plant parts used, and utilization for treatment. Besides these, the sustainable use, preservation and intellectual Property Rights must be given priority for a better living.

Keywords:

Indigenous Knowledge, Tribes, Bastar, Traditional Health care Practices