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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Exploring Traditional Healthcare Practices: Insights from the Ang (Jarawa) Hunter-Gatherer Tribe of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

presenters

    Piyusa Ranjan Sahoo

    Nationality: India

    Residence: Chhattisgarh

    Anthropological Survey of India

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

Keywords:

Ang (Jarawa), Traditional Healthcare practices, A & N Islands

Abstract:

The Ang (Jarawa) tribe, a vulnerable hunter-gatherer community residing in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands, possesses a deeply ingrained traditional healthcare system intricately tied to their environment. Their profound understanding of the local tropical forests' flora, fauna, and resources forms the backbone of their healing practices. Similar to numerous indigenous groups, the Ang (Jarawa) people boast a vast knowledge of medicinal plants indigenous to their surroundings. Alongside these botanical remedies, they also harness the therapeutic properties of red clay for specific treatments. These age-old healing traditions are deeply embedded within the cultural fabric and belief systems of the Ang (Jarawa) tribe, enduring through generations. Distinctive healthcare customs pertaining to childbirth, child rearing, breastfeeding, and fever management have persisted among the tribe since ancient times. Remarkably, the community lacks specialized individuals for traditional healing; instead, most elders, irrespective of gender, engage in these practices. These venerable members possess extensive knowledge of medicinal flora and traditional therapies, employing them skillfully to diagnose and alleviate various ailments. The traditional healthcare system of the Ang (Jarawa) tribe serves as a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and profound connection to their natural surroundings. It underscores their reliance on time-honored knowledge and practices, which remain integral to their healthcare and overall well-being. This enduring tradition not only sustains their physical health but also reinforces their cultural identity and collective resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.