An ancient healing practice persists and thrives in the forests of a territory of life in central India.
Shubham A. Agrawal
Chhattisgarh’s immortal forests cradle the legacy of the Dewari healers. Photo: Shubham A. Agrawal
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Whispers of a hidden community, nestled within the heart of Chhattisgarh’s ancient forests, have captivated explorers for a long time. Tales of Dewari healers wielding nature’s secrets, their remedies carried on the wind, have spurred me on this journey.
The Dewari healers are not merely inhabitants of this verdant territory; they are its stewards, protectors, and voice. Their lineage stretches back generations, each one passing down not just the secrets of healing but also a profound reverence for the forest ecosystem that sustains them. I witnessed the stark realities of their socioeconomic landscape, yet their profound reverence for the ecosystem remained ever-present. The forest, for them, isn’t a resource to be plundered but a life-giving mother, a territory of life that demands respect and reciprocity.
The Dewari healers are not merely inhabitants of this verdant territory; they are its stewards, protectors, and voice.
Witnessing their practices firsthand, one cannot help but be struck by this deep connection. They harvest plants with meticulous care, never taking more than they need, and always mindful of the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Each harvest is preceded by a chant, a murmured prayer of gratitude to the earth for its bounty. They are the embodiment of sustainable living, ensuring the forest’s health for generations to come. In a world increasingly divorced from its natural roots, the Dewari healers stand as a testament to the powerful synergy between human well-being and the health of the environment.
A family performing rituals before the Dewari healing. Photo: Shubham A. Agrawal
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Following dusty backroads and labyrinthine paths, I stood at the precipice overlooking the village of Sirauli. It was a glimpse into a vibrant tapestry of resilience and hope, where ancient wisdom battled modern pressures head-on. This village, shrouded in legends, is home to the enigmatic community of Dewari healers.
Sirauli village welcomed me with the earthy fragrance of a farmhouse. Daya, a kind-faced man, poured tea as Sushila Shukla, Munna Lal Markaam, Prem Singh Sahariya, Ramdhan Kujur, and Pravanti Kujur, their faces etched with stories, sat around us. Later, Nanka Uikey, a member of the same tribe who is the current governor of the state, joined us along with Rajesh Gond and others. Their eyes expressed a quiet strength, born from years of living in harmony with the forest’s rhythm.
Group photo taken in Sirauli village. From right to left: Sushila Shukla (herbal medicine practitioner), Shubham A. Agrawal (author), Rishabh Agrawal, Pravanti Kujur, Rajesh Gond, Munna Lal Markaam, Prem Singh Sahariya, Ramdhan Kujur (all Dewari healers), and other community members. Photo: Sashi Kumar
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Eight years ago, twilight cast long shadows over Sirauli village as Rajesh, a diligent farmer, writhed in agony. A venomous bite pulsed in his right foot, spreading searing pain. Even after primary treatment, his situation looked bleak. Distant city hospitals seemed worlds away in this remote hamlet.
But hope bloomed in the form of a team of Dewari healers. Under the starry sky, the Dewari ritual began. Chants, like whispers from the earth itself, filled the air as one of the healers meticulously drew symbols on the earthen floor with rice grains. First, a venomous snake. Rajesh remained motionless, despair deepening. Then, a wasp — still no reaction. Finally, a sketch of a scorpion, and Rajesh gasped. The source of the venom was identified. With practiced speed, the head healer prepared a concoction from leaves and roots, which he had learned from the forest itself. Within minutes, color returned to Rajesh’s face, his body responding to the ancient wisdom. The impossible had seemingly manifested in the flickering firelight.
This wasn’t an anomaly. The healers’ knowledge encompasses herbal remedies boasting efficacy against ailments such as advanced jaundice, sterility, dental problems, joint pains, bone fractures, paralysis, and more. Their dedication resonates in their stories, which echo through these woods — tales of jaundice vanishing in days, barrenness soothed with an herbal blend, and fractured bones mended by nature’s gentle touch. Once, a patient declared nearly dead by modern physicians lived for more than two years under a healer’s care. Such examples abound, testaments to a deep knowledge nurtured for generations.
As my visit with the healers of Sirauli village unfolded, fascinating details about their practices emerged. The healers explained how they study pulses (nadi pariksha) to determine precise delivery dates and address pregnancy complications. They shared the secret recipe of an edible herbal blend that aids in prompt postpartum recovery, allowing women to return to the cold rice fields within days. Their methods may seem unconventional, but their success reveals undeniable truths.
Shubham listening to the Dewari practitioners talking about their empathy toward nature and their conservation practices. From right to left: Shubham, Nanka Uikey, and Prem Singh Sahariya. Photo: Rishabh Agrawal
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This ancient healing practice, known as Dewari, Gendva, Telar, or Nagarhiya in different regions, is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Gond, Baiga, and Oraon tribes inhabiting Chhattisgarh’s forests. Their practices, interwoven with the worship of Kamakhya Devi, have been passed down through the sacred guru-shishya parampara, an ancient Indian tradition that ensures knowledge is transferred with utmost respect and dedication. The masters choose their pupils wisely, and the chosen ones live with them, learning as they perform the daily chores. Before the teachings are brought to an end, a pledge ensures the system’s sacredness and its use for societal good.
Becoming a traditional healer involves lifelong research and rigorous training, with the pupils’ lives governed by a strict schedule and a deep connection to the land.
The arduous path to mastery starts with six to eight months of foundational knowledge, and it takes three to five years to truly master the craft. Even then, not all the secrets of the usefulness of flora and fauna are fed to the pupil: they are left up to them for discovery. Before starting their practice, healers establish their revered god or goddess through elaborate rituals and offerings to their respective deities, an act that reflects the guru dakshina tradition (custom of repaying one’s teacher after a period of study). Becoming a traditional healer involves lifelong research and rigorous training, with the pupils’ lives governed by a strict schedule and a deep connection to the land. Guided by their gurus, they share a philosophy of empathy, meditation, composure, observation, and a constant thirst for learning. And what do they ask for in return? A smile etched on a healed person’s face, an auspicious offering of sixty-one cents, and a coconut laid at the feet of their devata (revered god or goddess).
The Dewari system is not monolithic. Some healers put their trust in chants and their own intuition, tracing the roots of diseases and invoking ancient remedies. Others blend nadi pariksha with chants and meticulously crafted herbal concoctions, personalized for each patient. Yet, one principle unites them: an unwavering respect for the forest’s bounty. They carefully assess the condition of plants and harvest them only when truly needed, never exploiting their vibrant ecosystem.
The Dewari healers aren’t mere harvesters; they are nature’s choreographers.
The Dewari healers aren’t mere harvesters; they are nature’s choreographers. Plucked at precise times (dawn’s blush or twilight’s embrace) with holy chants, each plant finds its place in a sacred recipe. Healers take only what they need, leaving the ecosystem undisturbed, even marking and then camouflaging the plant’s spot to protect it for future encounters.
Parmeshwar Singh, a Dewari practitioner from Sohga village, searching for the medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata, known as bhuineem in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Shubham A. Agrawal
Parmeshwar Singh searching for the medicinal plant Calotropis gigantea, known as aak in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Shubham A. Agrawal
This respect for biodiversity runs deeper than any self-proclaimed nature lover’s — it’s woven into their veins, inherited from ancestors, and nurtured by the earth’s embrace. This knowledge isn’t just information; it’s a priceless heirloom passed down through chants and touch. Each generation grasps its sanctity, meticulously safeguarding it from distortion and ensuring its vibrant flow. The healers’ devotion starts in their younger years, fueled by a burning commitment to their cause. Their faith is tested by time and nurtured by empathy. When they hear of others’ suffering, it echoes within them, driving their dedication. This profound, two-way trust between patient and healer lies at the very core of their success. It’s a symphony of nature, generations of knowledge, and unwavering faith, echoing and resonating through ages. This powerful synergy manifests an ancient heritage of healing and respect.
Yet, this ancestral legacy faces peril. Misconceptions and legal ambiguities cast a long shadow over the Dewari healers’ practice. Unfounded accusations and a lack of recognition by mainstream medicine threaten to extinguish this flickering flame. A young graduate woman who approached one of the healers, aspiring to learn the healing art, bore witness to this vulnerability firsthand. Her healer father faced imprisonment following a patient’s death, despite the involvement of modern medicine after his intervention. Such injustices discourage younger generations, perpetuating an identity crisis within this invaluable knowledge system. In another instance, a traditional healer gasped in disappointment, “How can I motivate the young ones to follow this path?” The modern world, with its relentless pursuit of profit, seemed to mock the ancient wisdom he held dear.
Nanka Uikey, one of the chief Dewari healers. Photo: Shubham A. Agrawal
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As dusk painted the forest gold, the Dewari healers’ plea rose with the wind. It was a plea for recognition for their centuries-old practices to be woven into the very fabric of modern medicine. This recognition wouldn’t just offer comfort and confidence; it would unlock the potential of their knowledge, enriching health care beyond boundaries. Witnessing their unwavering dedication, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to preserving their ancient tradition and as a result preserving the vulnerable species they revere. Their practices are intricately linked to the health of the forest, and their respect for nature is evident in their sustainable use of resources. By supporting their knowledge system, we not only unlock the potential for enriched health care but also empower these communities to become vital guardians of the forest’s biodiversity.
The Dewari healers’ practices are intricately linked to the health of the forest.
In the verdant embrace of these forests, a brighter future awaits, beckoning us to listen to the whispers, for they hold the key to a more interconnected, more holistic approach to healing and well-being, rooted in the communities’ territories of life. Let us heed their call, for in doing so, we might weave a richer, more harmonious ecosystem for the times to come.
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Support the Cause: The rich tradition of the Dewari healers hangs in the balance. Research and action are crucial to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge systems (including healing practices) and modern medicine. Donate: Contribute to grassroots organizations dedicated to researching and integrating traditional healing practices. Spread awareness: Share this article and discuss the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. Advocate for change: Contact policy advocacy and issue-led organizations and urge them to support initiatives that bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine. Contact the author to find out how you can help: shubham@auriga.co.in
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Acknowledgments: The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Kanna K. Siripurapu for his encouragement and guidance. His insightful perspective on integrating the concept of “territories of life” was instrumental in shaping the narrative. His willingness to share his expertise, even amid a busy schedule, is truly appreciated. Heartfelt thanks are also offered to Sushila Shukla for her dedication to motivating the Dewari community to share their story. Their openness to participating, a testament to their strength and confidence, is deeply valued.
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Shubham A. Agrawal is an economic policy expert and leads a project management and consulting organization to various government departments. He worked actively in biodiversity conservation, agroforestry, and value addition for non-timber forest products. He holds a patent for devising an innovative composting process that uses activating herbs. He co-authored a book on human–wildlife conflict mitigation and is a contributing member of the Skill Development and Employment working group for the Chhattisgarh State Planning Commission.
