NOPR Collection:

Traditional drugs sold by herbal healers in Haridwar, India

2014-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Traditional drugs sold by herbal healers in Haridwar, India Authors: Bharati, Kumar Avinash; Kumar, Mukesh Abstract: The herbal healers are descendants of ancient medicine men. They sell raw herbal drugs used against various common ailments at road side. A total of 22 herbal raw samples were purchased from these healers. The information on therapeutic properties, price, dosage and duration of treatment has been documented. Out of them, 13 plant species have been identified and their medicinal properties were compared with the Indian Materia Medica. It has been observed that medicinal systems of the herbal healers are independent (only 22.22% similarities) from Indian Materia Medica. Page(s): 600-605

Study of Traditional handloom weaving by the Kom tribe of Manipur

2014-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Study of Traditional handloom weaving by the Kom tribe of Manipur Authors: Khatoon, Reshma; Das, AK; Dutta, BK; Singh, PK Abstract: In the present paper traditional weaving and related knowledge system of purposively selected villages are discussed, and in this connection eight plant species are reported, which are used in weaving handloom. Kom tribe of Manipur has very rich traditional knowledge of crafts. These are the living testimonies of their traditional knowledge and aesthetic value, which they have inherited from their predecessors. The art of handloom weaving and the techniques they use are indeed admirable. But the Kom like any other tribal society has also been subjected to the challenges of modernization and open market. As a result many of their indigenous artistic works in making tools are now in danger. Therefore, every effort must be made to preserve this traditional knowledge so that they can carry on with their aesthetic beauty & knowledge into prosperity. Page(s): 596-599

Painting on handloom cotton fabric with colourants extracted from natural sources

2014-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Painting on handloom cotton fabric with colourants extracted from natural sources Authors: Maulik, Sankar Roy; Agarwal, Khusbu Abstract: Cotton fabric was painted with Rubia cordifolia, Laccifer lacca, Acacia catechu, Punica granatum, Terminalia chebula, Curcuma longa and Camellia sinensis in presence of aluminum sulphate, ferrous sulphate and copper sulphate as mordants employing a simultaneous mordanting technique followed by steaming of the painted fabric at 102⁰C for 30 min, whereas Indigofera tinctoria was applied in absence of any such salts. Such painting technique appears to be superior as compared to traditional process in respect to ease of application, storage stability of paste, colour fastness to light, rubbing and wash. It appears that such hand painted fabric has the potential for giving a crafty look to various handloom fabrics used for apparel and home furnishing purpose. In fact, it can also be used for embellishing finished garments such as t-shirt, jackets, etc. as also many other products like bags, pillows, cushion cover or anything made up of fabrics just by adding designs and colors to them. In view of use of various salts at concentrations much below their respective maximum permissible limits, such painted cotton fabrics can also be considered as eco-friendly product and is worth as labeled eco-textile. Page(s): 589-595

Traditional beekeeping shows great promises for endangered indigenous bee Apis cerana

2014-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Traditional beekeeping shows great promises for endangered indigenous bee Apis cerana Authors: Singh, AK Abstract: Nagaland dwellings plentiful bee flora is as a natural endowment. Indigenous techniques, equipments and traditional beekeeping knowledge are goldsmith due to simplicity and low cost input, shows great promise to visionaries for their envisage. The suitable agro-climate, plenty bee flora and immemorial practice with rich traditional knowledge offers enormous potential for development and success of apiculture in this state. The outfit survey accomplished in six districts of Nagaland revealed that 26% beekeepers were rearing both species (Apis cerana and Tetragonula iridipennis) and rest only A. cerana. The 74.67% peasantry indulged in apiculture and average number of beehive/ beekeeper was 3.78 where as highest beehive/ beekeeper was observed in Kohima. The 65.33% beekeepers were interested to rear in indigenous box and 34.67% beekeepers were interested to scientific beehive. A keywords: majority of beekeepers responded, the wax moth attack is higher in scientific box, while literate new generation, and trend beekeepers were interested with scientific beehive. The Naga tribes know different indigenous methods of colony capture, different types of traditional bee hives and indigenous methods of pest management. Simultaneously gruesome traditional honey harvesting method and jhoom cultivation direct threaten to bees which require scientific intervention for conservation to A. cerana. Honey bee role as a pollinator to enhance the crop productivity and conserve the plant biodiversity are more valuable than bee hive products. Page(s): 582-588