Concepts of Illness and Curing in a Central Nepal Village
The article gives an account of the concepts of illness and curing in a central Nepal village. This description of illness and its treatments is based on research carried out in the village of Dhungagaun, which is located nearly 50 miles north-west of Kathmandu in Nuwakot district, Bagmati zone. Dhungagaun is predominantly a Brahman-Chetri village as half of its inhabitants are of high castes, including Jaisi and Thakuri, and few middle ranking Matwali groups like Newar, Gurung, Magar, Tamang as well as a few untouchables castes - Dami and Kami. The article begins with a discussion of local conceptions and the principles behind curing. The use of herbs, mantras, and amulets is covered as well as techniques for the appeasement of supernatural forces. The author's main motive to study traditional treatments of illness is the opening of Dhungagaun to medical development. The article includes 3 leaves of plates. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2007-01-09)