Plants used for making traditional rosaries in Manipur

Abstract

The uses of rosaries made from various plant parts by the Meitei community in Manipur are the symbol of tradition and culture and are used as ornaments or related to health and /or religious practices. Out of the 20 plants, reported to be used for rosaries, 18 plants belonging to 15 families, are used to cure 29 diseases or complicacies such as fever, gout, urinary disorder, rheumatism, tuberculosis, heart diseases, liver complaint, bronchitis, etc. Some of the rosaries are also sold in the local markets and fetch good price. There is scope for promotion of traditional rosaries as cottage industry in the state.