Glimpses of Indian Ethnomedicine Natural Healers: Endangered Indian Tribes, Their Existential Challenges and Their Plant-Based Traditions

SAIKAT K BASU

PART 1

With SUPARNASANYAL MUKHERJEE 

 Tribes and Tribal Communities and their Significance 

 Tribes are indigenous or native communities that are often culturally distinct from the mainstream population. They typically have a close-knit social structure, live in harmony with nature, and depend on forests and natural ecosystems for their livelihood. In India, they are recognized as Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution and are known for their rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and deep knowledge of biodiversity.

 Tribes have centuries-old knowledge of medicinal plants, wild edibles, forest management, and sustainable harvesting. This ethnobotanical wisdom is invaluable for identifying and preserving useful plant species. Most tribal communities traditionally practice sustainable lifestyles. They take only what they need from nature and allow ecosystems to regenerate, which helps conserve biodiversity. Many tribal populations live in or around biodiversity-rich areas like forests, hills, and river basins. Their presence often acts as a natural barrier against commercial exploitation of forests.

 Tribes often cultivate and preserve indigenous plant varieties, which are adapted to local environments and resistant to pests, drought, or other stresses. This is vital for food and ecological security. Many plants and forests have spiritual or ritual significance for tribes. This sacred bond encourages the protection and respectful use of these resources.

 Tribal knowledge has guided researchers in discovering new medicines and plant-based remedies. This traditional information is a foundation for modern ethnomedicine and pharmacology.  Tribes often manage community forests (e.g., under Joint Forest Management schemes), demonstrating successful models of participatory conservation. Tribal communities are not just inhabitants of forests—they are the custodians of our traditional plant resources. Recognizing and respecting their role is essential for the sustainable use, conservation, and regeneration of biodiversity. Protecting tribal rights also means protecting nature itself.

PVTGs and the Challenges of Human Endangerment 

 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are among the most marginalized and endangered communities in India. Identified by the Government of India based on certain characteristics like pre-agricultural level of technology, low literacy, small population, and economic backwardness, PVTGs face unique and severe challenges that threaten their survival, culture, and rights.

 PVTGs are a sub-category within Scheduled Tribes, recognized as being more vulnerable than others. There are 75 officially identified PVTGs in India; and distributed across 18 states and one Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs, 13 tribes. Some examples include: Kathodis (Gujarat), Saharias (Rajasthan), Maria Gond (Maharashtra), Birhors and Savars (Bihar & Jharkhand), Birhors, Lodhas&Totos (West Bengal), Birhors, DongriyaKhond, Hill Khariyas (Odisha), Maran Naga (Manipur), Baigas, Birhors&Saharias (Madhya Pradesh), Chenchus (Andhra Pradesh), Kadar (Kerala), Koraga (Karnataka), Irulars, Kotas and Todas (Tamil Nadu), Jarawas, Sentinelese, Onges and Great Andamanese (Andaman Islands), and  Shompens (Nicobar Islands). 

 Major challenges faced by PVTGs leading to tribal endangerment include loss of traditional lands and Forest Rights, displacement due to mining, development projects, and deforestation; and lack of legal recognition of customary land rights. The Forest Rights Act (2006) implementation remains poor in many areas. Cultural erosion and identity crisis has been an important factor impacted by rapid modernization and forced assimilation that has severaly dilute their traditional practices. Loss of native languages, rituals, and spiritual traditions; together with youth migration to urban areas has lead to cultural disconnection.

 Furthermore, high rates of malnutrition, infant mortality, and communicable diseases; together with limited access to healthcare and poor infrastructure have resulted in serious population declines.  Lack of awareness and mistrust towards modern medicine has further deteriorated their existence.  Economic exploitation and abject poverty along with extreme dependence on scanty forest resources and produce, practicing archaic agricultural methods like shifting cultivation, with little or no state support has further added to their vulnerability.  Lack of access to markets and fair pricing. debt bondage, wage exploitation, and limited job opportunities, extreme low literacy levels with significant educational and language barriers and irrelevant curricula in mainstream schools has resulted in poor access to quality education in remote areas. Early dropouts and gender disparity in education are rampant. 

 Political marginalization and lack of voice along with gross underrepresentation in decision-making and local governance has made their existence sketchy. PVTGs have been subject to several discriminatory practices and exclusion from mainstream development. Inadequate implementation of welfare schemes meant for them has further closed opportunities for them to grow freely and organically. 

Strategies for protection and empowerment of PVTGs need proper implementation of Forest Rights Act and recognition of community ownership. There is an urgent need for developing curriculum in native languages and integration of local knowledge systems is absolutely essential. Establishing mobile clinics, tribal health workers, and integration of ethnomedicine as well as promoting sustainable agroforestry, handicrafts, and non-timber forest products can help actively in connecting neglected PVTGs to the economic empowerment of their societies. Lastly, protection against displacement, exploitation, and encroachment on their rights is important for their survival. Adequate government and non-government funding and support for their traditional art, festivals, and languages are necessary for their survival in modern India. 

Ethnomedicine and its relevant importance 

Ethnomedicine is the study and practice of traditional medical knowledge and health practices used by various ethnic and indigenous communities. It includes the use of plants, animal parts, minerals, and cultural rituals to treat diseases and maintain health, often passed down orally through generations. Ethnomedicine is the interdisciplinary study that combines the disciplines of Anthropology, Botany, Pharmacology and  Medical Sciences.  It focuses on how different cultures perceive health and illness, and how they use natural resources (especially plants) for healing.

Many modern drugs (like aspirin, quinine, morphine) originated from traditional plant use documented in ethnomedicine. Ethnomedicinal knowledge promotes the preservation of local flora, especially rare and endemic medicinal. It provides affordable treatments for rural and underserved populations using local natural resources. Ethnomedicine serves as a starting point for modern drug discovery, guiding scientists to bioactive compounds in plants. It helps in emphasizes balance between body, mind, and nature, aligning with current trends in integrative and preventive medicine. The discipline is a cornerstone in maintaining indigenous knowledge systems and respects the intellectual property of tribal and rural communities. It encourages eco-friendly, sustainable medicinal practices that are often more in tune with the environment.

Neem (Azadirachtaindica) used in Indian ethnomedicine for skin infections has now been incorporated in modern antiseptic and cosmetic products. Artemisinin, used to treat malaria, was discovered from Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. It is important to note that ethnomedicine is not just a legacy of traditional healing-it is a scientific treasure trove that continues to inspire modern plant-based pharmaceuticals and healthcare innovations.