Enchanted healing in the disenchanted world: Religion, Ritual, and Health Among the Bhils of Udaipur - An Ethnographic Inquiry

Abstract (English)

This study examines the indigenous health beliefs and practices of the Bhil tribe in Dhinkli village, Udaipur district, Rajasthan, with a focus on understanding how the community conceptualizes the causes of illness. The research explores the interplay of natural, supernatural, and social factors in shaping the tribe's health-related perceptions. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing semistructured interviews conducted during a 10-day fieldwork period. The findings suggest that the Bhils view disease as a multifactorial phenomenon, attributing its onset to imbalances in bodily humors, social transgressions, supernatural forces, and astrological influences. Common ailments, such as colds and fevers, are categorized into "cold" or "heat" diseases, based on perceived internal bodily imbalances. Illness is also oen attributed to the anger of deities, spirits, or
ancestral displeasure, with spirit possession frequently invoked as an explanation for unusual physical or psychological symptoms. Religious beliefs are integral to the tribe's health-related practices. While the Bhils identify as Hindus, they adhere to a distinctive religious framework that includes the worship of local deities such as Beruji and Dharam Raj, who are regarded as protectors and sources of healing. Rituals such as Seva (worship
services) and Jhada (exorcism) are commonly employed to address illnesses attributed to malevolent spiritual entities. Additionally, spiritual healers known as Bhopas are highly regarded, providing interventions when conventional medical treatments prove insufficient. These practices highlight the profound interconnection between religion, social structures, and health within the Bhil community. This study offers valuable anthropological insights into indigenous health systems, particularly within tribal societies where health beliefs are deeply intertwined with religious and cultural worldviews. It contributes to a broader understanding of the complex relationship between indigenous healing practices and mainstream medical systems, underscoring the importance of cultural context in the diagnosis and treatment of illness.