The Jhankri Tradition of the Darjeeling Himalaya:

An Ethnographic Study of Indigenous Healing Practices

Abstract

This paper examines the traditional indigenous healing system known as the Jhankri practice in the Darjeeling Himalayas, emphasizing its cultural significance, accessibility, and role in healthcare. Jhankris, or faith healers, are believed to mediate between the spiritual and physical realms to diagnose and treat ailments through rituals, chants, and herbal remedies. Despite the availability of modern healthcare facilities, many individuals, both rural and urban, continue to rely on Jhankris due to cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and limited healthcare infrastructure. The research employs ethnographic and case study methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and participant observation, to explore the persistence of Jhankri healing within the Gorkha community. Findings highlight the coexistence of formal and informal medical systems, demonstrating how medical pluralism persists due to socio-economic factors, cultural identity, and faith in traditional healing methods. Additionally, the paper sheds light on the political and social influences that sustain the practice, as well as the challenges it faces in the modern era. The paper underscores the need for documentation and further exploration of such traditional healing systems, ensuring their role in contemporary healthcare discourse.