Some reflections on ecology and health among the jaunsarese of Uttarakhand: an anthropological enquiry Dr. Patel Rahul Deptt. of Anthropology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, E-mail: rahul_anthropologist@yahoo.co.in, rahul.anthropologist@gmail.com Online published on 13 March, 2018. Abstract The tribal populations of India reside in varied ecological and climatic conditions under the umbrella of different socio-economic background, cultural settings and plural medicine systems, are the autochthonous people of the land, constituting about 8.2% of total Indian population (approx. 68 million persons) and include 162 major tribes and 270 minor tribal communities occupying a unique position on the tribal map of the world. Ecology, culture and health reflect a deep interface between themselves as well as on human life and hence ecology and health occupy very important place in the life of the Jaunsari tribal too. Today, in the era of ‘globalization’ and ‘inclusive development, ’ dimension of health demands utmost attention while considering the cause of tribals. “Health is of universal interest and concern” (Clements, 1932). WHO defines health as, “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity.” In 1978 this statement has been amplified to include the ability to lead a “ socially and economically productive life” (WHO, 1978) It is also a well known fact that every society or culture has their own versions regarding concept of health and illness. Same is there in the case of the Jaunsarese also, who number 1, 27, 720 in population residing in Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district in the state of Uttarakhand. The present paper is an endeavour to highlight the health status and health care practices among the Jaunsarese and its relation and inter face with ecology of the region. The paper is an outcome of rigorous anthropological field work conducted in 05 Jaunsari villages of Jaunsar-Bawar region of the Chakrata tehsil at Dehradun district in Uttarakhand. Top Keyterms Jaunsarese, Khasa, Jaunsar-Bawar, Ecology, Health, Khats, ANM, PHC. Top |