The Tradition Health Care System among Gonds of Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

The severely marginalised traditional healing knowledge of Gond and other tribal communities of Chhattisgarh is facing extinction. Therefore, documentation of such knowledge is essential and demands of the day. It is not only essential to guard against the threat of the loss of such knowledge, but also to prevent danger of future exploitation. The rich healing heritage of Gond is interwoven with their rich ethnic profile and unique cultural heritage. The rapid mining operations coupled with liberalisation of marketing forces, urbanisation and evil impact of globalisation have not only co modified the ceremony, rituals and healing practices of forest dwelling communities but also commercialised the traditional knowledge of Gond healers and elders. Co-modification of ceremonies has been manipulated by event management business houses with patronage of political leaders. The commercialisation of folk dance of Gond and other tribal communities of Chhattisgarh has been reflected in state and national level cultural programmes organised for attracting guests and clients. Globalisation forces have opened the pathways for an entry into new era where traditionally considered sacred and culturally relevant services are co-modified and commercialised. The marketing of medicinal plants related traditional knowledge through bio piracy has posed a serious threat to traditional healers and community elders of Gond tribe in preserving cultural value of local health tradition. The co-modification of traditional knowledge, folk dance and ceremonies have opened up avenues for disclosure of traditional medicine of Gond tribe in public domain.