Nitashree Mili, Pragyashree Mahanta and Tarali Pathak
Abstract
The Mising, one of the largest plain tribes of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India, have a deep and intricate connection with their natural environment. Their traditional knowledge systems, orally passed down through generations, are heavily reliant on the ethnobotany of the region, which is the study of how people of a particular culture and region make use of indigenous plants. The use of these plants is not just about curing illnesses; it is a vital part of the Mising communityâs overall well-being. It is a practice that reinforces social bonds, as knowledge is shared and passed down within families and among traditional healers. It provides a sense of self-reliance and cultural identity, especially in regions where modern healthcare is not easily accessible. While some traditional practices are closely guarded by healers, many are common household knowledge, empowering individuals to manage minor ailments. However, traditional medicine practices are facing threats from modernization, acculturation, and the gradual erosion of traditional knowledge as younger generations move away from their traditional lifestyle. This case study therefore explores the importance of traditional knowledge in community health and well-being and the challenges faced by the Mising peopleâs traditional healing system in the modern era. This study is based upon the field based data and information collected from of Majuli island which is one of the largest Mising inhabited areas of Assam.