Interface with Media and Institutions: The Reordering of Indigenous Medical Practitioners in Twentieth-century Kerala

Abstract

This article unravels the nature of interaction amongst indigenous medical practices or nattuvaidyam as reflected in the first Malayalam vaidya (indigenous medicine or medical practitioner) magazine Dhanwantari, published from British Malabar for a span of twenty-three years from 1903. The review of Dhanwantari is done in the context of debates on vaidyam (indigenous medicine), health and social body in other newspapers and magazines published during the same period from other parts of Kerala, such as Vivekodayam, Malayala Manorama, Nasrani Deepika and Yogakshemam. The attempt is not to sketch a linear history of practices, but to show the nature of knowledge incorporation from diverse sources for increasing the acceptance of nattuvaidyam. Print technology introduces new possibilities and enhances the reordering of the literate, neo-literate and non-literate practitioners. It also activates the refiguration of an ayurveda as a separate and unique practice amongst ayurvedas or nattuvaidyam.