2026-04-14T21:01:57Zhttps://oai.catalogue.archives.ncbs.res.in/oai:archives.ncbs.res.in:/repositories/2/resources/1112026-02-26T12:48:32ZArchives at NCBSTata Institute of Fundamental ResearchAR-029https://catalogue.archives.ncbs.res.in/repositories/2/resources/111Maharashtra Prabodhan Seva Mandal. MPSMOral History Interviews of Vaidu03 July 2025 to 20 September 2025395 MinutesengmarThis collection presents eight oral history interviews conducted in the indigenous villages of Dindori and Peth in the Nashik region, documenting the lives and practices of traditional healers known as Vaidus. Serving as community doctors for generations, these healers possess inherited knowledge of medicinal plants, forest ecosystems, and natural treatment methods that align with what is today classified within ethnomedicine. The interviews explore their journeys into healing, traditional diagnostic techniques such as pulse and ear examination, forest-based procurement of herbs, preparation methods including powders, pastes, oils, and decoctions, and the dietary and ritual practices associated with treatment.
The narratives highlight treatments for a wide range of human and animal ailments, including infertility, menstrual disorders, fractures, wounds, kidney stones, respiratory diseases, diabetes, jaundice, snake bites, digestive disorders, and livestock illnesses. The Vaidus describe the use of specific forest plants, roots, barks, and natural substances, emphasizing sustainability, plant potency, and early morning collection practices. Collectively, the interviews document the intergenerational transmission of indigenous medical knowledge through oral methods and underscore the vital role of traditional healers in sustaining community health and ecological stewardship.The collection is arranged as a single series titled ‘Oral History Interviews of Vaidu’s’ Within the series, interviews are organized chronologically by interview date with each file containing the interview recording and summaries.
Mukund Khurkute
Mukund Khurkute documents herbal remedies for infertility, wounds, digestive disorders, skin diseases, and women’s health issues in both humans and animals. He details specific forest plants, preparation methods, dosage, and dietary restrictions associated with treatment.
Madhav Bhusare
Madhav Bhusare specializes in fertility treatments and menstrual regulation through a structured three-month herbal regimen. His interview highlights pulse-based diagnosis, early morning forest collection practices, and the intergenerational transfer of medicinal knowledge.
Shankar Shinde
Shankar Shinde discusses herbal treatments for respiratory diseases, kidney stones, diabetes, jaundice, and heart ailments, often consulting medical professionals for diagnosis. He also contributes to forest conservation and vulture protection, linking healing practices with environmental stewardship.
Nivruti Awari
Nivruti Awari specializes in treating fractures, sprains, joint pain, and nerve-related conditions in humans and cattle. He prepares herbal pastes, oral medicines, and therapeutic massages using forest-sourced plants and prescribes dietary restrictions for recovery.
Mahadu Dundee
Mahadu Dundee practices plant-based healing for both community members and livestock, incorporating traditional beliefs about natural cycles and plant taboos. His remedies emphasize forest resources to prevent livestock deaths and address joint, stomach, and wound-related ailments.
Tukaram Bhoy
With over four decades of experience, Tukaram Bhoy focuses on wound healing using forest-based herbal preparations. His interview underscores the continuity of indigenous medicinal knowledge and its role in sustaining community healthcare.
Balu Valvi
Balu Valvi, practicing for over 25 years, prepares medicines administered with coconut water and plain water. He specializes in kidney stones, menstrual disorders, and snakebite treatments within his community.
Devidas Chaudhary
Devidas Chaudhary practices inherited plant-based medicine, formally recognized through examination and traditional training. He treats blood pressure, cough, fissures, kidney stones, menstrual conditions, and certain cattle illnesses using herbal, oil-based, and decoction. Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives, National Centre for Biological Sciences. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.Traditional medicineHealersMedicinal plantsOral historyDindori (India : District)Peth (India)Nāsik (India : District)Surgāna (Princely State)