It is believed that snake charming originated in India. The earliest snake charmers were adept in snake handling techniques and were traditional healers who could treat people affected by snakebite. The profession of snake charming was at its peak when governmental support was given to it to help entertain tourists. Snake charmers were even sent overseas to enthrall visitors at various cultural festivals and fairs besides performing for private patrons. Snake charmers also provided snake venom for preparing anti-venoms. Now, the profession of snake charming is a dying one.
The Wildlife Protection Act passed in 1972 has strict punishments for those who own or sell snakes. In the late 1990s, several animal-rights activists and groups convinced the government to bring the snake charmers under the purview of this law. The snake charmers vented their anger by staging vigorous protests in 2003 that made the government realize the problems faced by these people. Several suggestions were made to deal with the situation like training the snake charmers to become snake caretakers and educators, selling their medicines and allowing them to perform as street musicians. The government now allows a limited number of snake charmers to perform at some specific tourist sites. |
