Traditional Knowledge System of the Nicobarese : A Study among the Horticulture Tribe of Katchal Island

The word traditional knowledge has become a buzzword in the contemporary society for optimum utilization and management of natural resources for sustenance of tribal and rural communities. This local knowledge is intangible in nature and hence deeply imbibed in their customs, traditions, rites and rituals, folklore, magico-religious practices. The interaction with nature is possible through the medium of culture and hence socio-cultural processes play a significant role in carrying and conserving the knowledge base. As such, traditional knowledge has become an integral part of every culture since it caters the basic needs like food, shelter, and heath care. With this backdrop, the present book vividly documented the vanishing traditional knowledge of Island communities who depend on horticulture. The study explains how the traditional knowledge of the Nicobarese on horticulture, land and forest, aquatic resources, foods and beverages, ethno medicine and ethno veterinary practices, facilitating the traditional livelihoods in times of natural disasters like Tsunami and Earthquake. While analyzing the different aspects of traditional knowledge of the Nicobarese, the focus remains on understanding the man-nature relationship keeping in view of the ecology and religion which is characterizing the life of the Nicobarese of Katchal Island. The level of this book is truly academic and research oriented. Further it is also useful to the planners, policy makers, administrators, and other action groups who are interested for protection of indigenous knowledge and their rights. This book had provided the scope to do further research on not only horticultural communities but other tribal communities since rejenuvation of environment is possible with the traditional wisdom. (jacket). …