Description
Step into a world where ancient rituals battle the disruptions of modernity, and every illness is a riddle waiting to be solved. Journey into the heart of the Liangmai Naga community in the misty hills of Northeast India, where the knowledge and rituals of traditional healing endure through centuries of change. This compelling study documents how indigenous healers—known as kobiraj—navigate the collision between ancestral practices and contemporary faith, revealing a rich tapestry of remedies, beliefs, and resilience. Drawing from in-depth interviews with traditional practitioners, elders, and medical professionals, the book uncovers the enduring reasons for illness—ranging from spiritual influences to natural ailments—and highlights practices still vital to Liangmai wellbeing today. Nearly threequarters of the community continue to trust and benefit from their healers, affirming the lasting significance of these remedies. As Christianity reshapes some customs, the narrative thoughtfully explores the balance between heritage and modernity, underscoring the urgent need to preserve this invaluable tradition for future generations. Both an ethnographic record and a call for recognition, this book is essential for anyone interested in indigenous knowledge, cultural continuity, and the evolving landscape of traditional medicine.
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