Sociology of Indigenous Knowledge: Investigating the Role of Traditional Healing Practices and Sociocultural Dynamics within India's Tribal Communities

  • Unique Paper ID: 171543
  • PageNo: 334-339
  • Abstract:
  • Traditional medicine in India, encompassing systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Naturopathy, represents a vital aspect of healthcare, particularly within tribal communities. These practices, deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs, serve as the primary healthcare resource for many tribal populations, offering accessible and affordable treatment options. Traditional healers, respected figures within these communities, utilize indigenous knowledge and local resources to address health issues, thereby reinforcing cultural identity and continuity. This paper explores the sociological dimensions of traditional medicine, highlighting how cultural beliefs and community structures influence health-seeking behaviours. It also examines the historical context and cultural significance of these practices, emphasizing their role in preserving ecological wisdom and community cohesion. Furthermore, the integration of traditional and modern healthcare systems is discussed, presenting both challenges and opportunities for enhancing health outcomes in tribal areas. By recognizing the value of traditional medicine, policymakers can develop inclusive health strategies that respect and incorporate indigenous practices, ultimately improving healthcare access and effectiveness for tribal populations.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{171543,
        author = {Dr. Syed Abrar and Dr. Sameena Sindagikar},
        title = {Sociology of Indigenous Knowledge: Investigating the Role of Traditional Healing Practices and Sociocultural Dynamics within India's Tribal Communities},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2024},
        volume = {11},
        number = {8},
        pages = {334-339},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=171543},
        abstract = {Traditional medicine in India, encompassing systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Naturopathy, represents a vital aspect of healthcare, particularly within tribal communities. These practices, deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs, serve as the primary healthcare resource for many tribal populations, offering accessible and affordable treatment options. Traditional healers, respected figures within these communities, utilize indigenous knowledge and local resources to address health issues, thereby reinforcing cultural identity and continuity. This paper explores the sociological dimensions of traditional medicine, highlighting how cultural beliefs and community structures influence health-seeking behaviours. It also examines the historical context and cultural significance of these practices, emphasizing their role in preserving ecological wisdom and community cohesion. Furthermore, the integration of traditional and modern healthcare systems is discussed, presenting both challenges and opportunities for enhancing health outcomes in tribal areas. By recognizing the value of traditional medicine, policymakers can develop inclusive health strategies that respect and incorporate indigenous practices, ultimately improving healthcare access and effectiveness for tribal populations.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {December},
        }

Cite This Article

Abrar, D. S., & Sindagikar, D. S. (2024). Sociology of Indigenous Knowledge: Investigating the Role of Traditional Healing Practices and Sociocultural Dynamics within India's Tribal Communities. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 11(8), 334–339.

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