Observations on Yaws in Bastar State

a distance of 184 miles from Raipur (C.P.)and there is a metalled road connecting the two cities (see map). Although there is a distinct mention of yaws being a rare disease in India (Manson-Bahr, 1935), Bastar State appears to have a very heavy incidence?as a matter of fact yaws is one of the most common diseases in the State. Yaws, however, does not affect the better class of people or other people residing in the civilized areas of the State.-It is essentially a disease affecting one class of aboriginals of the State, and that too, over selected areas. The 'Marias', as these aboriginals are called, are typical of the primitives who reside in the forests and at the foot of the hills, leading a rather quiet and peaceful life, in seclusion from other communities, and having completely different ways and means of living. They consume all sorts of animal flesh and a few vegetables, millets, etc. They have languages of their own?' Halbi' and ' Maria which others can hardly follow. -'Marias' all over Bastar do not have this