Landscape analysis of traditional tribal healers and their healing practices in the tribal-dominated states of India
Authors: Kumar Vibhor , Jain Susmit 
Published: October 2023

Tribal communities have a rich history as some of the earliest inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent, living in harmony with nature for thousands of years. These indigenous or ethnic groups are spread throughout India, with significant concentrations in states like Chhattisgarh (30.5%), Jharkhand (26.0%), Odisha (22.8%), Madhya Pradesh (21.0%), Gujarat (14.7%), Rajasthan (13.4%), and Maharashtra (9.3%). In the peninsular region, notable tribal groups include Bhils, Santhals, Gonds, Ho, Kondh, Kols, Mundas, and Kharia, while in the northeast region, the prominent ones are Nagas, Mizos, Mikris, and Kukis. However, their access to healthcare is hindered by limited infrastructure, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, socio-economic challenges, and marginalization. As a result, tribal communities often turn to traditional healers and indigenous medicinal practices, giving preference to traditional healing over modern healthcare options. Tribal traditional healers lack formal medical degrees, but their deep connection with indigenous communities makes them a preferred choice for healthcare. They are easily accessible to tribal populations and offer cost-effective services. These healers rely on their extensive traditional knowledge and skills, utilizing locally available medicinal plants, animal, and mineral substances, and incorporating specific ritual practices in their treatment methods for patients. Tribal healers are integral components of the available local healthcare system and play a critical role in delivering primary care services.
The primary objective of this landscape analysis was to conduct a comprehensive examination of the socio-economic status, healing practices, and knowledge transfer methods of tribal healers and folk practitioners. Additionally, it aimed to create an evidence-based roadmap for their integration into the mainstream through upskilling, certificating, and federating the tribal healers.
The study was ethnographic descriptive cross-sectional research conducted between May 15th and September 30th, 2023. The study comprised 1649 participants, encompassing Herbalists, Spiritual Healers, Diviners, Bone Setters, and Traditional Birth Attendants hailing from 43 districts in 7 tribal dominated states predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, namely Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. Data collection occurred across 43 districts situated within the aforementioned states. The selection of tribal healers was done using an Exponential non-discriminative snowball non-probability sampling approach. The research methodology encompassed ethnographic research, interviews with healers, and documentary analysis.
The analysis showcased the diversity of traditional healers, representing about 240 tribes, and emphasized the rich cultural and regional variations in their healing practices. The study involved tribal healers with an average age of 52.6 years, of which 82.4% were above 40 years old. These healers had varied roles and expertise, such as general herbalists, bone setters, Ojhas, or Dondai, each employing distinct diagnostic methods and treatments for the indigenous population. About 53.9% of folk healers were skilled in indigenous medicine, using natural substances for healthcare. Additionally, 42.5% of religious practitioners integrated social, cultural, and religious beliefs into their treatments, including rituals and sacrifices. Knowledge transmission followed the traditional guru-shishya tradition, where tribal healers learned from experienced healers orally, without written texts. Certification was valued as a way to gain public trust, and NGOs and federations played pivotal roles in advocating for traditional healing practices. Successful integration into mainstream healthcare required collaboration, coordination, and mutual respect between traditional and modern healthcare providers. Despite deep-rooted connections with their own communities, traditional healers face several common challenges in their practice such as Stigmatization and lack of recognition, Limited resources and infrastructure, Lack of formal training and certification, Legal and regulatory challenges, Ethical and legal dilemmas, and economic challenges.
In conclusion, the landscape analysis shed light on the diverse healing traditions within tribal communities, emphasizing the importance of preserving and respecting these practices to safeguard cultural heritage and wisdom. Integrating traditional healing into comprehensive healthcare systems can enhance inclusivity and provide holistic care for tribal populations.