Abstract

ROLE OF MEDICINE MEN IN THE TREATMENT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF DISEASES WITHIN THE SANTAL TRIBAL COMMUNITY OF THE DISTRICT BANKURA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Subhra Basak, Samita Manna, Chanchal Kumar Manna*

ABSTRACT

Traditional healers or folk healers, have the power of healing of some complicated diseases using the herbal medicines. They are unlicensed to perform medical practices and administer proper medication for the ill patient. Some cultures believe that the medicine men or folk healers might have inherited “the gift of healing”power from the ancestors. Healers have different names within each tribal society and sometimes they are called, Witch Doctors, Quack Doctors, Spiritual or Divine healers, Herbologists, Faith Healers and many more names. The district Bankura is the Southernmost district of the State, West Bengal. Amongst the various tribal people, the Santhal or Saontal is quite preponderant. Usually their religious leaders are male specialists in medical cures who practice divination and Witchcraft. However, female medicine men are also available now-a-days. The purpose of this investigation is to know about their expertise in preparing the medicinefor controlling various types of diseases with some plant products, Divination and Witchcraft processes.

Keywords: Traditional, Witchcraft, Spiritual, Folk healer, Divination, Religious leaders. Address for correspondence.