INTERNATIONALJOURNALOF MULTIDISCIPLINARYEDUCATIONALRESEARCH

ISSN:2277-7881; IMPACT FACTOR :6.514(2020); IC VALUE:5.16; ISI VALUE:2.286 Peer Reviewed and Refereed Journal: VOLUME:10, ISSUE:2(5), February:2021 Online Copy Available: www.ijmer.in

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS IN BELLARY AND KOPPAL DISTRICTS OF REGION

Dr. Dundappa Amoji Chief Librarian Sri Venkateshwara College of Engineering Bengaluru,Karnataka,

ABSTRACT

Bellary and Koppal District of Hyderabad Karnataka (HK) is most backward districts with a rich tradition of folk medicinal treatment, which is rooted in the masses of these districts since time immemorial and such kind of tradition, is still practiced in different strata of groups of the region. Total 123 practitioners are identified and interviewed for the study. According to the study male practitioners are dominated (N=85)and the majority of folk medicine practitioners is illiterates(N=46). Most of the practitioners practice medicinal treatment as part-time basis (N=95)and found almost practitioners are in aged group (N=54) with well knowledge experience in their folk medicine practice.

KEYWORDS: Folk Medicinal practitioners, Traditional Knowledge, TKDL, HK Region.

1.1 INTRODUCTION India is the only country in the world to have set up an institutional mechanism - Traditional Library Digital Library (TKDL), to protect its traditional knowledge and to prevent grant of wrong Patents. TKDL is a maiden Indian effort to help prevent misappropriation of traditional knowledge belonging to India at International Patent Offices. In that direction TKDL has made waves around the world, particularly in traditional knowledge rich countries by demonstrating the advantages of proactive action and the power of strong deterrence. Hence, India developed this much needed tool for protection of Traditional Knowledge. Today, TKDL has been embraced by the World Intellectual Property Organization and by the EPO and US-PTO as well as other Patent offices worldwide who have found in it a powerful weapon to fight bio-piracy (Khanna, 2011). Traditional Knowledge variously referred as indigenous knowledge, traditional knowledge, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, local knowledge and folk knowledge is developed by local and indigenous communities over the time in response to the needs of their specific local environment (Wikipedia, 2013). According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO, 1998), traditional knowledge is indigenous cultural and intellectual property, indigenous heritage, and customary heritage rights. It is traditional because it is created in a manner that reflects the traditions of the communities, therefore not relating to the nature of the knowledge itself, but to the way in which that knowledge is created, preserved and disseminated. The Hyderabad Karnataka Hyderabad–Karnataka, officially known as Kalyana-Karnataka Region has jurisdiction over six districts consisting of Bidar, Gulbarga, , Raichur, Bellary and Koppal, which was under the rule of Nizam’s of Hyderabad before Independence and this region has a rich background of traditional knowledge and culture particularly folk medicinal value. Hyderabad Karnataka Region as a whole is considered as the most backward region mainly because of its traditional base of rural folk. 1.2 NEED OF THE STUDY Hyderabad Karnataka (HK) Region - a boon for indigenous knowledge has a glorious historical past, rich traditional customs and treasure of folk medicinal plants and showing leadership even in intellectual matters. The very first, known work in literature, 'KavirajaMarga' was produced here in 8th century written by Sri Vijaya during the' reign of the famous emperor, Nrupatunga (Rashtrakuta). The Madarasa (Centre of Higher Learning) of MahumudGawan situated in Bidar city of Hyderabad Karnataka is a unique monument of its kind in India and it had a university staffed with eminent philosophers, scientists and divines containing valuable manuscripts. The Hyderabad Karnataka Region is considered as backward region and there is a need for the development of libraries on modern lines with technological gadgets to reach the information to every nook and corner of the region. 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The Objectives of the study are:  To identify the Traditional Folk Practitioners in Bellary and Koppal Districts of HK Region.  Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge pertaining to folk medicine.  To assess the live folk medicinal procedures of selected diseases in Bellary and Koppal of HK Region.

1.4 RELATED LITERATURE One hundred and forty traditional practitioners were identified and interviewed for the study. These practitioners are locally known as “Vaidya”. The study revealed that the non-codified healthcare tradition is practiced mainly by elderly persons of the age of 61 years and above. The practitioners learnt this tradition from their forefathers, and practitioners developed their own practices through

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ISSN:2277-7881; IMPACT FACTOR :6.514(2020); IC VALUE:5.16; ISI VALUE:2.286 Peer Reviewed and Refereed Journal: VOLUME:10, ISSUE:2(5), February:2021 Online Copy Available: www.ijmer.in

experimentation, reading and learning. The practitioners follow distinctive “NadiPariksha” (pulse examination) for disease diagnosis, while others follow bodily symptoms and complaints. Plants and animal materials are used as sources of medicines, with a variety of preparation methods. The majority of traditional practitioners do not charge anything, while few practitioners receive money as remuneration (Upadhyaet al., 2014) Kachare (2014) found that piscicidal plants mainly ethno botanical information is valuable for the treatment of skin diseases, diabetes, asthma, migraine and hence, recommends inhabitants of the villages for protected for future generation. Vidyasagarand and Siddalinga (2013) conducted an ethnobotanical survey of , comprising seven taluks was conducted during May 2009 to July 2011. A total of 28 species of folk drug plants belonging to 26 genera and 20 families were found to be used as a remedy for diabetes mellitus by the urban, rural and tribal people. The scientific, local and family names of these medicinal plants along with the habit, parts used and mode of their administrations are given in the present paper. Traditional knowledge forms significant element of the intellectual and cultural heritage of indigenous people that reflect their social and historical identity and significantly contributes to the future well-being of the society. Hirwade and Hirwade (2012), analysed the features of indigenous knowledge, protection of traditional knowledge in India and its benefits, bio piracy issues, and Indian experience. It further discusses the national and international initiatives and Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, its benefits and outcomes against bio piracy. 1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 1.5.1 Study Population The study population consists of Traditional Folk Practitioners of Bellary and Koppal Districts of HK Region. The distribution matrix of the study population of the Traditional Folk Practitioners.

Table-1.1 Study Population in Bellary and Koppal Districts of HK Region No. of Total No. of Districts Talukas Practitioners Practitioners Covered Bellary 07 03 HagariBommanahalli 25 17

Harapanahalli 06 01 Hosapete 09 04 HuvinaHadagali 29 22

BELLARY Kudligi 35 34 Sandur 08 04

Gangavati 14 09 Koppal 17 14 Kushtagi 16 10

KOPPAL Yalaburga 09 05 Grand Total 175 123

A total of about 175 Traditional Folk Practitioners (TFPs) in Bellary and Koppal Districts of Hyderabad Karnataka Region have been identified and out of which 123 (70.29%) Traditional Folk Practitioners are interviewed and documented the research data in the light of the objectives of the study. Although efforts were made to cover the remaining 52 Traditional Folk Practitioners, but due to their non-availability, non-responsiveness nature and fear of their identity, has led to confine the study for 123 Traditional Folk Practitioners.

1.5.2 Discussion Procedures Vernacular/Native languages were used to discuss with traditional folk practitioners regarding:  Identification and understanding the illness/diseases/ailment of patients,  Observation of psychological and Physical condition of the patients,  Availability and non-availability of medicinal plant resources,  Collection mode of medicinal plants as they follow certain rituals i.e., Month (“Masa”), Fortnight (Pakshya), Day of the week (Dina), Time (Kaala), Star (Nakshatra) etc.,  Traditional stocking and preserving strategies of medicinal plants,  Useful parts of medicinal plants i.e. Leaf, Fruit, Flower, Seeds, Stem, Bark, Root etc.,  Steps involved in preparation of folk medicine and various forms like, decoction, paste, juice, tablets etc.,

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 Procedures to take/apply medicine,  Suggesting particular period for the treatment based on the illness of patients and  Precautions to be taken by the patients during the period of treatment and fee structures.

1.5.3 Tools and Equipment used for Data Collection The study is purely a field survey that involves documentation of the traditional medicinal knowledge available in public domain in villages of Bellary and Koppal Districts of Hyderabad Karnataka Region. Personal Interview and Observation tools were adapted for collecting the research data.

 Field Visits The Investigator personally visited each and every Traditional Folk Practitioner covered in the study for data collection and convinced the purpose of research, so that it could be possible to gather immense data from Traditional Folk Practitioners in the Villages of two districts of Hyderabad Karnataka Region. Two wheeler vehicles were used for field visit due to lack of transport facility and its remoteness.

 Smart Phone and Digital Video Camera Smart Phone was used to take photographs of Traditional Folk Practitioners and their interaction with patients while providing treatment. Digital Video Camera was used to document treatment procedures of Traditional Folk Practitioners to capture the live treatment modalities and also to record feedback from Patient respondents.

1.5.4 Data Analysis MS-Excel 2010 has been used for data analysis of research data collected from Traditional Folk Practitioners using powerful micros and functions of the software for tabulation and pictorial presentations.

1.6 DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION Table-6.1 Total Traditional Folk Practitioners covered in Bellary and Koppal Districts of HK Region

Districts Frequency Percentage Bellary 85 69.1 Koppal 38 30.9 Grand Total 123 100

Total 123 TFPs are covered in the study comprising of two districts of Hyderabad Karnataka (HK) Region, in which 69.1% (N=85) of TFPs belong to Bellary District and 30.9% (N=538) belongs to Koppal District.

Table-6.2 Traditional Folk Practitioners by Sex wise Male Female Districts Frequency Percentage Out of 123 No. % No. % Bellary 77 90.6 8 9.4 85 69.1

Koppal 35 92.1 3 7.9 38 30.9

Grand Total 112 91.1 11 8.9 123 100.0

TFPs are covered in the study comprising of two Districts of Hyderabad Karnataka Region, majority of TFPs are Male respondents 69.1% (N=85), whereas 30.9% of TFPs are Female (N=38). Table-6.3 Traditional Folk Practitioners by Age group Above 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 71-80 Districts 80 Frequency Percentage No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % Bellary 3 3.5 40 47.1 20 23.5 19 22.4 1 1.2 2 2.4 85 69.1 Koppal 9 23.7 13 34.2 10 26.3 5 13.2 -- 0.0 1 2.6 38 30.9 Grand Total 12 9.8 53 43.1 30 24.4 24 19.5 1 0.8 3 2.4 123 100.0

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ISSN:2277-7881; IMPACT FACTOR :6.514(2020); IC VALUE:5.16; ISI VALUE:2.286 Peer Reviewed and Refereed Journal: VOLUME:10, ISSUE:2(5), February:2021 Online Copy Available: www.ijmer.in

Nearly half of the TFPs in Bellary and Koppal Districts of HK Region are in the age group between 41 and 50 (43.1%, N=53) years, whereas 24.4% of TFPs are between 51 and 60 years of age (N=30) and 19.5% of TFPs are between 61 and 70 years of age (N=24) which implies that the TFPs in Bellary and Koppal Districts of HK Region are mostly aged people.

Table-6.4 Traditional Folk Practitioners by Qualification Lower Higher High PU Any Illiterates Districts Primary Primary School Level Degree Frequency Percentage No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % Bellary 27 31.8 11 12.9 10 11.8 20 23.5 12 14.1 5 5.9 85 69.1 Koppal 19 50.0 3 7.9 3 7.9 3 7.9 2 5.3 8 21.1 38 30.9 Grand 46 37.4 14 11.4 13 10.6 23 18.7 14 11.4 13 10.6 123 100.0 Total

Table No.6.4 provides educational qualification of the TFPs. It is found that, majority of the TFPs who provide Folk Medicine to the Society are Illiterates 37.4% (N=46) however, 18.7% (N=23) of TFPs possess High School, 11.4% (N=14) of TFPs possess PUC and 10.6% (N=13) are Graduates. Table-4.6 Traditional Folk Practitioners by Generation Father Grandfather Forefathers Mother Grandmother Teachers Percent- Districts Frequency No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % age Bellary 12 14.1 65 76.5 -- 0.0 2 2.4 3 3.5 3 3.5 85 69.1 Koppal 1 2.6 9 23.7 25 65.8 0.0 2 5.3 1 2.6 38 30.9 Grand 13 10.6 74 60.2 25 20.3 2 1.6 5 4.1 4 3.3 123 100.0 Total

More than half of the TFPs are carrying out Medicinal Practices mainly through the Grandfather's Inheritance (60.2%, N=74) is followed by Forefathers 20.3% (N=25), Father 10.6% (N=13), Grandmother 18.8% (N=68) and only 3.3% (N=4) by Teachers.

Table-4.7 Traditional Folk Practitioners by Fees At the will Free Nominal Reasonable Districts of Patients Frequency Percentage No. % No. % No. % No. % Bellary 20 23.5 31 36.5 19 22.4 15 17.6 85 69.1 Koppal 17 44.7 -- 0.0 -- 0.0 21 55.3 38 30.9 Grand 37 30.1 31 25.2 19 15.4 36 29.3 123 100. 0 Total

From table No.4.7 it can be observed that, majority of TFPs don’t charge any fee (30.1%, N=37), whereas 15.4% of TFPs charge a nominal fee for the treatment of patients (N=19), 25.2% of TFPs receive fee at the will of patients (N=31), and 29.3% of TFPs charge reasonable to treat patients (N=36). Table-4.8 Traditional Folk Practitioners by type of working pattern Full Time Part Time Districts Frequency Percentage No. % No. % Bellary 21 24.71 64 75.29 85 69.1 Koppal 07 18.42 31 81.58 38 30.9 Grand Total 28 22.76 95 77.24 123 100.0

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ISSN:2277-7881; IMPACT FACTOR :6.514(2020); IC VALUE:5.16; ISI VALUE:2.286 Peer Reviewed and Refereed Journal: VOLUME:10, ISSUE:2(5), February:2021 Online Copy Available: www.ijmer.in

Table No.4.8 shows that, more than Three Fourth of the TFPs carry on Folk Medicine Practice on part time basis (77.24%, N=95) and rest carry on full time basis (22.76%, N=28).

7. CONCLUSION Traditional Knowledge has always played an important role and will continue to do so in indigenous communities. India has possessed a rich traditional knowledge of ways and means practiced to treat diseases affecting people and it is a country which has been nurturing a tradition of civilization over about 5,000 years. It is clear from the results that Bellary and Koppal District of HK Region, though considered as backward region, but has very rich traditional folk medicine and popular Traditional Folk Practitioners who are available in this region and who are involved in providing treatment for various diseases.

There is no centralized database of Traditional Folk Practitioners Bellary and Koppal Districts of HK Region, as they are not registered neither under AYUSH nor any medically recognized certificate and hence calls for recognition of such Traditional Folk Practitioners and who need both financial and moral support.

References

Hirwade, M., &Hirwade, A. (2012).Traditional knowledge protection: An Indian Prospective. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 32(3) pp. 240-248. Kachare, S. V. (2014). Use of some Indian plants in folk medicines of Maharashtra, India. International Journal of Current Research, 2(3), 44-47. Khanna, A. (2011). TKDL-livelihood of large population in world India equipped to protect more than two lakh formulations under TKDL: Retrieved on 15th July, 2018 from http://accounts-cadre-csir.blogspot.in/ Traditional Knowledge.Retrieved on 12th November, 2018 from http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/traditional_knowledge. Upadhya, V., Harsha, V. H., Shripad, B., &Sanjiva, D. K. (2014). Non-codified traditional medicine practices from Belgaum Region in Southern India: present scenario. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, Retrieved on 17th June, 2018 from http://www.Ethno biomed.com/content/10/1/49. Vidyasagar, G. M., &Siddalinga, S. M. (2013). Medicinal plants used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus in Bellary district, Karnataka. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge,12(4), 747-751. WIPO (1998). Intellectual property needs & expectation of traditional knowledge holders. WIPO Report on Fact-Finding Missions on Intellectual Property & Traditional Knowledge, 25.

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