<b>Indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants used by Vaidyas in Uttaranchal, India</b>

195-206The indigenous knowledge of Vaidyas (the traditional healers) on making the herbal drugs was studied in the Uttaranchal state of India. Interviews and semi-structured questionnaire surveys were conducted among 60 traditional Vaidyas on the preparation of various herbal drugs. The survey has resulted in compilation of 135 herbal drugs, which are used by them for curing 55 types of ailments. In Uttaranchal, generally the traditional Vaidyas follow some specific guidelines for collection of medicinal plants from wild. They frequently use Ocimum sanctum Linn., Piper nigrum Linn., Curcuma domestica Valet., Brassica campestris Hook.f. & Thoms. and Raphanus sativus Linn. for making various herbal drugs. There is a sharp decline in the number of recognized Vaidyas due to several reasons

Indigenous knowledge of wool dyeing: A Bhotiya practice on its way out in the higher Kumaun Himalaya

40-46The indigenous knowledge of making natural dye from native plant species had developed in the high altitude regions of Kumaun over a long period of time. This practice of using natural dyes for colouring wool was very common in the high altitude districts of Pithoragarh in Kumaun, and Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts in Garhwal. The inhabitants had perfected their knowledge to such a level, that they could get most of the bright shades of colours required in their woollen products. However, over a period of time, due to the expansion of road network and market forces in these regions, the avail ability of synthetic dyes slowly brought down the production and use of natural dyes. Later, the supply of factory-made wool in a multiple range of colours and shades at a price lower than that of their own-produced wool finally brought this knowledge system on the verge of its extinction. This paper highlights the role of various economic factors and linkages involved in the marginalisation of this practice and eco-friendly knowledge systems of a remote Himalayan region