Traditional knowledge is a cumulative body of knowledge, know-how, practices and representations maintained and developed by peoples with extended histories of interaction with the natural environment. These socio-cultural sets of understandings, interpretations and meanings are part and parcel of a cultural complex that encompasses language, naming and classification of systems, resource use practices, rituals, spirituality and worldview. Rather than opposing man and nature, traditional knowledge holders tend to view people, animals, plants and other animals of the world as interconnected by a network of social relations and obligations. Hence this system of knowledge is a key to sustainable development and a tool to fight modern climate related hazards. Tripura is a small state in Northeast India, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems. The state is home to several indigenous communities, each with its unique customs, practices, and beliefs. Their rich endowment of traditional knowledge and biodiversity plays a critical role in their health care, food security, culture, religion, identity, environment, sustainable development and livelihood.
Endowed with rich forests, which are densely covered with cane and bamboo, the people of the state have made the maximum use of raw materials. The crafts of Tripura are completely indigenous which range from cane and bamboo craft, handlooms and weaving baskets. Basketry is an important form of craft in the state. The variety of baskets produced in the state include Jamatia firewood basket, Reang carrying basket, tukri, karawala tukri, laii, sempa khari, date basket, turi, large grain storage basket, dulla and sudha- the traditional fish trap. The grain storage baskets are plastered with a mixture of cow dung, clay and rice husk before being used to store grain. The state is famous for its incredible handicrafts and handmade costumes. Tribal communities of the state use bamboo resource for food, shelter, furniture, handicraft, medicines and various ethno-religious purposes. Local village craftsman and artisans use their art to transform bamboos into various ornaments such as bamboo bangles, bamboo earrings, necklace, rings, bracelets, hair clip etc. Apart from bamboo and cane, tribal communities use silver, bronze and copper to make ornaments. The uniqueness of these jewelries is for the coin shaped designs. The necklace of silver coins, the Rangbwtang is a symbol of status. Tripura has its own vernacular architecture which has been developed throughout the ages. A bamboo made house on a raised platform standing on bamboo poles symbolized the tribal life of Tripura since time immemorial. These houses are locally known as Tong Ghar and are built with bamboo and Chhan grass as the primary materials. A piece of log is placed across the intervening space between the floor of the house and the ground. Built by the inhabitants themselves, without any formal training in construction, the Tong Ghar is time tested, sustainable and sensitive to the micro climatic conditions and natural calamities including earthquake. Not to forget, the state lies in seismic zone five. The elevation of the house keeps the dwellers safe from wild animals.
The tribal people produce their own clothes and therefore handloom is the oldest industry in the state. The indigenous people of Tripura are known for producing elegant designs, attractive colour combination and fine texture. Colour and design of cloth distinctly identify each tribe. They knew the use of natural dye extracted from different parts of plant to color clothes. According to a study, 39 types of dye yielding plants were traditionally used by the tribal of Tripura. Synthetic dyes are harmful for human health and environment. Natural dyes are environment and skin friendly.
An important aspect of traditional knowledge in Tripura is its medicinal practices. The state is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, which has been used by indigenous communities for centuries to treat various ailments. The traditional healers, known as Ojhas, use a combination of herbs, roots, and other natural substances to prepare remedies for different illnesses. Research shows that traditional healers have extensive knowledge about the use of at least 50 different medicinal plants and herbs for treating not less than 67 diseases. One of the major highlights of traditional healing system of Tripura is treating fractured bone. A total of 10 plants reported as ethnobotanical plants used for the traditional bone setting practiced by different tribes of Tripura. According to the nature of the fracture, different parts of the plants are used in different modes such as local application and systematic use. Local application is made by making paste of herb with mustard oil on the banana leaves for one week and can be extended according to need. For systematic use instead of mustard oil, 200 ml of milk is added with 100 gm of paste; after proper mixing, it is given orally three times daily for 5 days. All the necessary plant materials are generally collected from the nearby forest and household sources. These plants mostly have high mucilage and sticky property. For centuries, tribes of Tripura were concerned about sanitation and cleanliness and have been using soap made from ash of bamboo and Seasame. This soap is called Kharpani; Khar means alkaline.
One surprising traditional scientific knowledge of Tripura is the practice of fermentation and distillation for making alcohol. The recipes of rice beverages varies community wise having diversity in aroma, taste and alcoholic content which has been conserved generation after generation. Fermentation is the conversion of complex carbohydrates to simple alcohol and Carbon dioxide or organic acids using bacteria or yeast under certain conditions. Alcoholic beverages require a starter culture for fermentation. Rice is fermented by the yeast, moulds and bacteria present in the starter cake. Traditionally, starter cake is made out of rice, garlic, red chili and various leaves and barks. These plant parts have many medicinal properties. For distillation earthen pot is used with bamboo as pipe.
Creating a musical instrument requires scientific understanding, innovation and craftsmanship. Tripura has many indigenous musical instruments in its credit. Some of them are Kham, Sumui (Flute made of bamboo), Uakhok, Sarinda, Rosem and Chongpreng. Kham is a big hollow leather drum. The two sides of the wooden frame are covered with deer or goat skin. Uakhok is made of bamboo that is sliced into half to produce beating/clapping sound. Sarinda is violin like instrument made out of gumwood. Rosem is a flute like instrument and looks like western bagpipe. It is made of bamboo and dried hardened gourd. Thanga Darlong was awarded Padmashri – the fourth highest civilian award in India for preserving and promoting Rosem.
The traditional cultivation system of Tripura is known as ‘Jhum’. In this shifting cultivation system, forest area is cleared by slash and burn techniques. This system is not promoted now as it has severe impact on environment and ecosystem.
The traditional knowledge of Tripura also includes art forms, sculptures, folk tales, dance forms, delicious indigenous recipes and unique games and sports. The rock-cut sculptures of Unakoti and Chhabimura are living examples of this prized legacy. The preservation, documentation and promotion of this age old knowledge is essential to ensure that this rich heritage is passed down to future generations.
